ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- In an interview on a Channels Television program, former Osun State Governor, Bisi Akande, asserted that former President Muhammadu Buhari refrained from removing fuel subsidy to avoid public criticism.
Akande disclosed that despite initial intentions to eliminate the subsidy, Buhari faced backlash when he attempted it in his first term, leading to a cautious and gradual approach over the subsequent years.
He said, “Removal of subsidy—between the time Buhari was elected president and the time he was inaugurated, we had several discussions, sessions, and meetings to see that the subsidy should be removed.
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“And he was convinced. And I thought that as soon as he got to power, he would remove the subsidy, but I don’t know what happened.
“After his inauguration, he started being careful, slowing down until the first four years. So, at the beginning of his first term, he came out; he wanted to remove the subsidy, but the country reacted and he had to back out.
“So, from the beginning, I was uncomfortable with Buhari having the subsidy in his hand. The subsidy ought to have been removed in his time; by now, Nigerians would have been used to it, and it would have been smooth.”
Akande expressed discomfort with Buhari retaining the subsidy, emphasizing that its removal during Buhari’s early term could have facilitated a smoother transition for Nigerians.