By Our Correspondent
Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to remove fuel subsidies throughout his administration was driven by his concern for the welfare of Nigeria’s ordinary citizens.
This is according to Femi Adesina, his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
The decision, which sparked widespread debate, was shaped by Buhari’s commitment to shielding the masses from the financial strain of subsidy removal.
Buhari, who served as president from 2015 to 2023, consistently viewed the welfare of the common people as his top priority.
Adesina, in a tribute marking Buhari’s 82nd birthday, praised the former president’s determination to keep the subsidies in place, despite Nigeria’s growing fiscal challenges.
He recalled that when global oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, the Nigerian government recognized the burden fuel subsidies placed on public finances.
Yet, Buhari remained steadfast in his belief that ordinary Nigerians should not bear the brunt of fluctuating oil prices.
During his time in office, Buhari resisted pressures to end the subsidies, which many believed were a significant source of corruption and financial waste.
However, the former president argued that it would be unjust for the general populace to suffer due to falling oil prices, especially when they had not benefited from the oil boom.
Adesina’s remarks highlighted Buhari’s longstanding focus on the poor, earning him the title of “Ore Mekunu” or “friend of the poor” in Yoruba.
Despite the pressure to remove subsidies and tackle the nation’s economic difficulties, Buhari stood firm on keeping them in place to protect the average Nigerian from higher costs.
Buhari’s successor, President Bola Tinubu, eventually ended the fuel subsidy after taking office in May 2023.
The removal of the subsidy resulted in significant inflation, which has yet to be controlled, further complicating Nigeria’s economic recovery.
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