Clark appeals to Tinubu to prioritize palliatives over fuel subsidy
Chief Edwin Clark, an elder statesman and South-South Leader, implored President Bola Tinubu to give top priority to offering palliative measures aimed at alleviating the difficulties resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy.
President Tinubu, in his inaugural speech on May 29, announced the elimination of fuel subsidy, resulting in a significant increase in the pump price of fuel from N194 to over N500, with variations observed across different states.
Clark, while praising the president for the subsidy removal, expressed his approval, stating that the government had made the correct decision.
"They have made the appropriate choice. After all, all the candidates prior to the 2023 general election had advocated for and promised the elimination of fuel subsidy."
"It was widely perceived as a scam; it simply doesn't exist. Where are these anonymous individuals receiving the oil subsidy payments, and how has it benefited the average Nigerian?
"Recall that in January 2012, the Jonathan-led administration attempted to eliminate it, but those very people and leaders who opposed it back then have now changed their tune and support its removal," Clark stated.
He further praised President Tinubu for taking a courageous step in removing the fuel subsidy.
In his view, redirecting the funds towards the country's transportation, education, and health sectors would significantly improve the quality of life, resulting in a better Nigeria.
"With the establishment of a committee involving all stakeholders, they should collaborate to devise a plan," he suggested.
"Some individuals believe that since Tinubu discussed subsidy removal during his campaign and included it in his manifesto, he should have devised a strategy to provide palliative measures to mitigate the impact," he remarked.
Clark clarified that government employees understood that fuel subsidy had never been in their favor, emphasizing that spending trillions of naira on fuel subsidy is unacceptable.
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