Remove Fuel Subsidy Now

Former governor of Lagos state, now National leader of All
Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked for
the immediate removal fuel subsidy.
Tinubu who made the demand while speaking yesterday in Kaduna at the
10th memorial anniversary of late Dr. Bala Usman, a politician, and
former lecturer with Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU, Zaria, Tinubu said
that fuel subsidy came with "many demons"
Tinubu said, "In a perfect world, I wish we could sanitize the subsidy
regime and thus continue with it.
"However, I have reached the conclusion that there are too many demons
in the system for that hell to be turned into heaven.
"It is 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 benefiting 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.
"This way we can undertake this massive expenditure confident that the
fruits will go to the hungry, not the already too well fed.
"End the fuel subsidy. Subsidize the people instead – Subsidize the
people instead!".
Earlier in his welcome address, 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."
Bala Usman was the Head of Department (HOD), history, at ABU in the
early 70s, and was later appointed Secretary to the State Government
(SSG) under the administration of former governor of Kaduna State,
Alhaji Balarabe Musa in between 1979 and 1981.
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