As Nigerians groan over the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, an Owerri based public policy analyst, Mr. Slyvanus Okere, has called on the Nigerian leader to reverse his decision and fight the corruption in the fuel subsidy.
Speaking to INNONEWS reporter in Owerrri, Okere said fuel subsidy is the only benefit Nigerians enjoy from the Federal Government.
“What else do Nigerians enjoy from the Federal Government except subsidy of fuel? Health, Education in the country have remained in comatose condition despite huge budgetary allocation these sectors receive yearly.
“Nigerians don’t enjoy quality healthcare and the rate of poverty is so high in the country. There is high rate of insecurity everywhere. So, what do Nigerians really benefit from government, nothing, except the fuel subsidy
“Cost of living is constantly on the rise. When you remove fuel subsidy, what will be the fate of the common man in Nigeria. It will be hell on earth for them.
“President Tinubu was in a hurry to act on the fuel subsidy removal.
“Past Presidents carefully handled the matter because of its volatility. Tinubu even opposed it when President Jonathan wanted to remove it in 2012” Okere said
He said the Tinubu administration should focus on removing the corruption in the fuel subsidy regime
“There is so much corruption in the system. And if Tinubu can handle the corruption involved in the fuel subsidy regime, it will help the situation at least for now” he stated
He said it is insensitive on the part of the new President to hastily announce the removal of fuel subsidy “when he has not consulted anyone on the matter”
“He failed to consult. He never consulted Labour, no one. The subsidy should remain until the refineries start working” he said