A former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, has revealed why former President Muhammadu Buhari failed to remove fuel subsidy during his eight-year tenure.
Speaking on ChannelsTV on Friday, Akande said Buhari refused to remove fuel subsidy in order to avoid criticisms.
According to Akande, Buhari refrained from being publicly criticized after he removed it the first time and faced serious backlash while saying he was not pleased with the decision.
“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,” Akande said.
“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 stressed that Buhari initially intended to remove the subsidy at the beginning of his first term, but public reaction prompted a reconsideration.
However, he observed a change in approach after Buhari assumed office, with a cautious and gradual approach that continued into the first four years.
Watch the video here:
https://x.com/imranmuhdz/status/1738122957577179576?s=46&t=zZRX-Eg9dA8lWSiPRJxxQw
