Fuel Subsidy Removal Without Palliatives, Too Sudden, Shocking On Nigerians – Atiku
- Says APC has inflicted more hardship on Nigerians
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 General Elections, Atiku Abubakar has taken a swipe on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration for the sudden removal of the controversial fuel subsidy without first putting in place palliatives to cushion the effect of the removal.
This was as he said that Nigeria is too damaged to allow more time for meaningless drama and lack of well-thought-out plan.
Atiku particularly said that the sudden removal without a well-laid-out plan has injected serious shock on Nigerians, stressing that the announcement of the removal of the subsidy was made by President Tinubu when it was not an ideal time to do so.
The former vice president of Nigeria, who stated these in Bauchi on Saturday at a retreat for elected PDP Governors and members-elect of the National Assembly, said that the PDP government initiated petroleum subsidy removal between 1999 and 2007 with a well-laid-out plan and cushion effect.
In the words of Atiku; ‘’Let me make a passing remark on the announced fuel subsidy removal. Between 1999 and 2007, the PDP government initiated petroleum subsidy removal and I chaired the committee.”
“We achieved subsidy removal in two phases, but only after providing palliatives to those most affected by the subsidy removal. We have experience as a political party and government.
“That is what we would have done and not just announcing subsidy removal without discussion, without discussing with affected sectors of the economy. I think Nigerians should appreciate what they have temporarily lost.
“Our country is too damaged to allow more time for meaningless drama. Our nation needs us, history beckons, and I’m confident that our National Assembly members-elect and indeed all of our party leaders and members will not disappoint the people of this country” he said.
