Former Lagos State Governor and national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Friday in Kaduna urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately remove fuel subsidy as it has over-stayed its usefulness.
According to Tinubu, for the country to move forward, subsidy regime needs to go as the ordinary Nigerians are no longer benefiting from it.
Delivering a keynote address, entitled, “Towards the economic liberation of Nigeria, Bala Usman’s enduring relevance” at the memorial Conference organized in honour of the Late Dr Bala Usman by the Centre for Democratic Development, Research and Training in Zaria, Tinubu said, his call for subsidy removal was not mere talk but a call to action by those in authority.
His words, “In a perfect world, I wish we could sanitize the subsidy regime and thus continue it. However, I have reached the conclusion that there are too many demons in the system for that hell to be turned into heaven.
“Better that we remove it, not for the austere purpose of saving money but to use the money more wisely that we might better save the people.
“Let us begin a process of a thoughtful but decisive subsidy phase-out.
“While this is occurring, we should simultaneously phase in social programs beneficial to the poorest, most vulnerable among us.
“Programs such as transportation subsidies, school feeding, improved basic medical care and coverage for the poor, and potable water projects are some of the things that can be done with the same funds.”
He insisted that, “What I have said here is more than talk. It is a call to action.”
“This way we will undertake this massive expenditure confident that the fruits will go to the hungry, not the already too well fed.
“Subsidize the people instead – Subsidize the people instead!” he insisted.
“Fuel subsidy was a good idea that has been perverted into its opposite. Created to aid the common man, it is now a device used by the crooked to produce a windfall for themselves.”
Speaking about the man in whose honour the conference was held, he said, “Bala could have combined his royal lineage with his academic erudition to enjoy the high and easy life. He could have been part of any government or ruling clique that suckled itself on toil, blood and patience of the people. Bala chose to side with the masses. Now it is our duty to side with him.”
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, Kaduna state Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai extolled the late historian, saying “He cared about ordinary people and spent his life fighting for the common man.
”He gave everything he had, his intellect, his resources to advance the life of the downtrodden in Nigeria, this is why we are very proud of him.”
Also present at the gathering were Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, Katsina state Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, Osun state Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, among others.
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