Former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, alongside Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Nyesom Wike of Rivers state have declared their support for the decision by All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to remove fuel subsidy in Nigeria.
This declaration was made during a meeting of prominent politicians held in Lagos, where they deliberated on the current economic situation of the country.
The removal of fuel subsidy has been a topic of heated debate in Nigeria for several years. Proponents of the removal argue that it will save the government funds, which can be allocated to the development of other sectors like healthcare and education. However, opponents argue that removing the subsidy will lead to an increase in the price of fuel, further exacerbating the hardship being faced by Nigerians.
Despite the concerns, Ibori, Makinde, and Wike agree that the removal of fuel subsidy is a necessary step for the government to take. According to Governor Makinde, “The current economic climate calls for tough decisions, and the removal of fuel subsidy is one of them. We need to find ways to cut costs and channel those funds to other areas that require urgent attention.”
Similarly, Governor Wike noted that “The government cannot continue to subsidize fuel indefinitely. It is not sustainable, and we need to find alternatives to ensure that Nigerians can still access fuel at an affordable rate.”
Former Governor Ibori highlighted the need for the government to address corruption in the country, stating that “The removal of fuel subsidy is just one step in the right direction. We need to tackle corruption head-on and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Only then can we truly move forward as a country.”
The decision by these prominent politicians to support the removal of fuel subsidy is expected to generate further debate across Nigeria. It remains to be seen whether the government will take this step, but many Nigerians agree that urgent action is required to address the current economic situation.