Subsidy Removal: "Why Nigerians Are Angry" President Tinubu Told

• President Bola Tinubu has been commended for the removal of the fuel subsidy, while reactions trailed the aftermath of his declaration
• Okanlawon Gaffar, a public commentator, in an interview with Legit.ng, said it is perceived that only the poor Nigerians are making sacrifices for the effect of the decision
• The analyst maintained that the sacrifice must also reflect in the cost of governance, such as cutting down salaries of political officeholders

FCT, Abuja - Nigerians have continued to react to President Bola Tinubu's declaration that "subsidy is gone" and its effect on the cost of living in the country.

Okanlawon Gaffar, a political commentator, in an interview with Legit.ng, maintained that the decision of the Nigerian president is a welcome development. However, it appeared that only the poor Nigerians are perceived to be sacrificing for future benefits.

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Gaffar maintained that the government, on its part, needs to reduce the cost of governance, such as cutting down the salaries of elected officials as well as reductions in the number of official aides to the elected officials.

Only poor Nigerians appear to be sacrificing for subsidy removal effect

The public commentator said this while reacting to the recent hardship that followed the fuel subsidy removal and considering Nigerians' yearning over the President's move.

He said:

"While the intention behind the removal of fuel subsidy is good, considering Nigeria does not have the economic strength to continue to subsidise petrol consumption for both the country and, inadvertently, other neighbouring countries, the government has to show seriousness in improving the economy.

"Also, there is the perception that only poor Nigerians are sacrificing for the perceived future benefit of the country, and this is not good enough. The cost of governance must also reduce through salary reduction and a cut in the size of government personnel."

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Atiku blasts Tinubu, says "Tinubu’s broadcast a waste of time"

Legit.ng earlier reported that Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president and PDP presidential flagbearer in the 2023 election, has described President Bola Tinubu's live broadcast on Monday as uninspiring and deceptive.

The PDP leader, in a statement shortly after the president's speech, described the move as a complete waste of time.

Atiku said Tinubu's speech was an afterthought after his administration removed the fuel subsidy without a concrete plan to cushion its effects on poor Nigerians.

Source: Legit.ng