Subsidy: Serious ignorance in governance, economy – Tinubu fires back at Atiku

President Bola Tinubu has rebuked the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar for his recent comments on fuel subsidy. At a gathering at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Tinubu labeled Atiku's remarks as a clear display of significant ignorance regarding governance and economic matters. The Daily Post notes that Atiku had pledged to reinstate the fuel subsidy system if he were to be elected as Nigeria's president in 2027, during an interview on Wednesday.

In response, Tinubu remarked, "I saw one of my opponents (Atiku) now saying he would go back to subsidies. That is a demonstration of serious ignorance in governance and economy. Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries of workers. Not to talk of pensioners. But now, states are no longer owing salaries of workers and pensioners, courtesy of subsidy removal."

Upon taking office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu had announced the discontinuation of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the Nigerian currency, the naira. These decisions have reportedly led to hardships for average Nigerians, as the increased price of petrol has impacted all sectors of the economy.