The former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has defended Buhari’s decision to retain the fuel subsidy throughout his tenure, emphasizing that it was motivated by his commitment to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
Adesina explained that despite the mounting economic pressure and calls for subsidy removal, Buhari chose not to act in a way that would further burden the masses.
In a tribute marking Buhari’s 82nd birthday on Tuesday, Adesina described the former president as a “friend of the poor” whose policies were aimed at shielding the most vulnerable citizens. He noted that even after stepping down, Buhari continues to attract public admiration due to his focus on the well-being of ordinary Nigerians.
Adesina acknowledged that while the government was fully aware of the unsustainable nature of the fuel subsidy, Buhari refused to remove it because he believed it would hurt the people. Despite high global oil prices, which increased the financial strain of maintaining the subsidy, Buhari’s administration kept it in place, prioritizing the protection of the public from the negative effects of rising fuel costs.
While it is believed that Buhari may have eventually agreed with the need to phase out the subsidy, Adesina emphasized that the former president resisted making such a drastic move, recognizing the potential socio-economic repercussions for the people. His decision to retain the subsidy, according to Adesina, was a reflection of Buhari’s dedication to ensuring that the people did not suffer more than they already had.
“The Big Elephant in the room (was the) removal of fuel subsidy. Did you think the Government didn’t know that the money guzzling monster had to be slain? It knew.
” But who ensured that subsidies remained as long as it did? Buhari. And why? The people, the ordinary people. His argument was always simple.
“When oil sold for at least $100 per barrel in the international market, rising even to as high as $140 per barrel, what did the ordinary people gain? Nothing! So why should they be the ones to bear the brunt when oil prices fall?”, Adesina stated.
The former presidential aide said even though Buhari may share the conviction to remove subsidies at the end of his administration like the presidential candidate then, “he didn’t want to do something that would throw society into a tailspin for the sake of the ordinary people”.
