Senator Ayo Arise, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his decision to remove fuel subsidy, stating that it was long overdue. Speaking with journalists during the funeral service for the late former deputy governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, the former federal lawmaker disclosed that President Tinubu had made the right decision.
According to Senator Arise, “He has done extremely well. If he had waited one day, the move may not have been allowed to see the light of day, and the poor masses would have continued to suffer in Nigeria.” Even though some Nigerians believe that the removal of fuel subsidy would only lead to an increase in the price of petroleum products, the lawmaker believes that the move will ultimately benefit the citizens of the country.
Senator Arise also addressed the issue of fuel scarcity and the impact it had on the Nigerian economy. He noted that the scarcity ended when the price increased, and the commodity became readily available to all consumers. He further explained that the country was being shortchanged through the fuel subsidy, and the money allocated for it could be used instead to develop other sectors like agriculture, hospitals, and schools.
When asked if President Tinubu had a proper understanding of the situation in Nigeria, Senator Arise stated that the President was an accountant and understood the figures. He added that Tinubu was also a man who belonged to the masses, and the decision to remove the subsidy would ultimately benefit them. He urged Nigerians to endure the temporary increase in transportation prices and support the President, assuring them that they would soon begin to see good things happening in the country.
Senator Arise’s comments on the removal of fuel subsidy come at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Nigerian government has had to make some tough decisions to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, and the removal of fuel subsidy is one of those decisions. While some Nigerians have welcomed the move, others have criticized it, stating that it would lead to an increase in the price of goods and services and make life difficult for millions of Nigerians.
