Tinubu Finally Opens Up on Returning Fuel Subsidy as Demanded by Hunger Protest Organisers

Tinubu Finally Opens Up on Returning Fuel Subsidy as Demanded by Hunger Protest Organisers

  • President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the calls that his administration should return to paying fuel subsidies as demanded by the hunger protesters
  • The president, in a broadcast, explained that the removal of the fuel subsidies was painful but necessary for Nigeria
  • According to Tinubu, the payment of fuel subsidies has become a hindrance to the economic progress of the country; hence, the need to stop it

President Bola Tinubu has refused to reinstate fuel subsidies, despite demands from protesters, stating that the decision to remove the subsidy was necessary for Nigeria's economic development. In a nationwide broadcast, he explained that the subsidy had become a hindrance to economic progress, likening it to a "noose around the economic jugular of our Nation."

Tinubu emphasized that removing the subsidy was a crucial step towards addressing decades of economic mismanagement. He acknowledged that the decision was painful but stressed its importance for the country's future economic growth. The President's stance comes amid ongoing protests demanding the reinstatement of fuel subsidies and improved governance.

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President Bola Tinubu has insisted that his administration will not bow to the pressure and demands of the protest organisers that fuel subsidy should be returned and ruled out the option in his state address on Sunday, August 4, on day 4 of the protest.
Hunger Protest: Tinubu ruled out option of returning fuel subsidy Photo Credit: @officialABAT
Source: Twitter

President Tinubu assured protesters that law enforcement agencies would continue to protect the lives and properties of innocent citizens in a responsible manner. He reiterated his commitment to democratic good governance, envisioning a Nigeria where every person can enjoy peace, freedom, and a meaningful livelihood.

Tinubu acknowledged the difficulty of removing fuel subsidies but emphasized its necessity for Nigeria's long-term progress. He highlighted the need to address decades of economic misalignment, which had hindered the country's growth, and expressed his determination to drive positive change and build a prosperous nation.

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Tinubu defends removal of fuel subsidies

President Tinubu explained that the removal of fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange systems aimed to block the profits of smugglers and rent-seekers and undue subsidies to neighboring countries. He emphasized that these decisions were necessary to reverse decades of economic mismanagement and promote Nigeria's economic growth.

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Tinubu took full responsibility for his decisions, assuring Nigerians of his commitment to delivering good governance, transparency, accountability, and openness. He emphasized that his government serves the people, prioritizing their needs and well-being.

The hunger protest organizers key demand was the removal of fuel subsidies. They also called for fixing the petrol price at N100, which would require significant subsidies. Tinubu's decision not to reinstate subsidies indicates his focus on long-term economic progress despite the protesters' demands for short-term relief.

Hunger protest: List of states curfews were declared

Legit.ng earlier reported that the hunger protest, which began on Thursday, August 1, has been gaining momentum across the country. Protesters are demanding action from the government to address the widespread hunger and economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.

Despite the challenges, the protesters have remained resolute, with many vowing to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.

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Tinubu: "Why I removed fuel subsidy, stopped multiple exchange system"

There have been recent reports of violence in some states, and in some instances, some of the protesters resulted in looting. The police, in responding to this situation, opened fire on some protesters, and no less than 17 people were killed on day one of the protest. Some governors have also declared curfews in their states to ensure that the protest did not escalate.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
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Bada Yusuf (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Yusuf Amoo Bada is an accomplished writer with 7 years of experience in journalism and writing, he is also politics and current affairs editor with Legit.ng. He holds B.A in Literature from OAU, and Diploma in Mass Comm. He has obtained certificates in Advance Digital Reporting, News Lab workshop, Journalism AI Discovery. He previously worked as Editor with OperaNews. Legit’s Best Editor of the Year for Politics and Current Affairs Desk (2023). Contact: bada.yusuf.amoo@corp.legit.ng