Muhammadu Buhari, the immediate past president of Nigeria, has disclosed the reason behind leaving the removal of fuel subsidy to his successor, Bola Tinubu. According to a statement by Buhari's former aide, Garba Shehu, the ex-president stated that implementing the policy before the last general polls would have resulted in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tinubu losing the election.
In response to queries about why Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy within weeks while Buhari did not do so for several years, Shehu stated that Buhari commended the current administration for their steps towards implementing the removal of petrol subsidy and unifying the Naira exchange rate.
The statement emphasized that successive polls indicated the potential loss of the ruling party in the 2023 election if the Petroleum Industry Act, which included the removal of petrol subsidy, was implemented earlier.
Shehu's statement titled "Buhari didn't fail to remove subsidy" highlighted the removal of various other subsidies during Buhari's tenure, including electricity, fertilizer, Hajj/Christian Pilgrim, diesel, aviation fuel, LPFO, kerosene, and cooking gas. It clarified that although Buhari did not remove petrol subsidy, he eliminated numerous other budget-draining subsidies, gradually leading the way.
Shehu also mentioned that instead of Buhari answering questions about the removal of subsidies, it would be more appropriate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to address the matter. He further emphasized the need to support the new leadership, referring to the Tinubu/Shettima administration, and expressed hope for successful implementation of promised palliative efforts.
The statement clarified that the decision to remove subsidies was not solely up to the President and mentioned that the Buhari administration had been contemplating these actions since 2015, with certain decisions being postponed for a more suitable time. It also acknowledged that the timing of these decisions was strategic, considering the prevailing tensions in the country.
The statement concluded by stating that the Buhari administration, nearing the end of its term, could not fully implement the removal of subsidies due to the upcoming election. Polls indicated that such a decision, as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act, would have led to the party's defeat. The new administration, led by Tinubu, is now entrusted with moving the nation forward and ensuring stability following these significant economic and financial decisions.
