Atiku’s position on subsidy puts Tinubu under pressure – ADC chieftain

Nigerian political activist Austin Okai, a member of the African Democratic Congress, has warned that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's stance on the possible reinstatement of fuel subsidy is putting President Bola Tinubu’s administration under significant political and economic pressure. Okai highlighted that Atiku's intervention has reignited a contentious national debate surrounding the government's decision to scrap the subsidy, while also questioning the management of the reported savings.

In a statement released by the ADC, Okai emphasized that the controversy extends beyond the issue of whether the subsidy should be restored, delving into matters of accountability, transparency, and the impact on ordinary Nigerians.

Atiku's position has sparked a heated discussion, prompting the Tinubu administration and its officials to respond. This heightened engagement underscores the political sensitivity of the issue, with ministers and presidential aides reacting to Atiku's stance. Okai called on the government to provide a detailed account of the financial gains from the removal of subsidy, outlining how the purported savings have been utilized and what specific projects have benefited.

He urged Nigerians to see tangible benefits from the policy changes, especially in light of rising fuel prices and the escalating cost of living.

Okai stressed that the debate over fuel subsidy should be driven by economic realities and the welfare of the people, rather than political motives. He argued that the future of the subsidy—be it restoration, redesign, or permanent removal—must be determined through sound economic reasoning and transparency. The activist urged the Tinubu administration to publish a transparent report detailing the savings from the subsidy removal and their utilization, asserting that accountability should precede any further demands from the populace.

He also called on citizens to closely monitor the evolving debate, framing it as a critical test of the administration's commitment to economic responsibility, transparency, and the welfare of Nigerians.