The Deputy National Financial Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Oladimeji Fabiyi, has urged the Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, to provide a better alternative to fuel subsidy removal instead of criticising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent position on the policy.
Fabiyi, an ally of Atiku, made the statement while reacting to Olawepo-Hashim’s criticism of Atiku’s position, urging the Accord presidential candidate to “face reality” and stop “playing to the gallery.”
According to him, Atiku never opposed subsidy removal but had advocated a phased approach to its implementation.
“Did Atiku ever say he doesn’t support the removal of subsidy initially? No. He supported subsidy removal but with a caveat that it has to be phased, not the way Tinubu did it without thinking through it,” Fabiyi said.
He argued that the manner in which the policy was implemented had produced severe consequences for Nigerians, including increased hunger and poverty, high food inflation and difficulties for small and medium-sized businesses.
Fabiyi also accused the government of poor accountability in its management of the subsidy policy, alleging that it had resulted in “monumental fraud.”
He challenged Olawepo-Hashim to explain what he would do differently if given the opportunity to lead the country.
“Olawepo should tell Nigerians about his own policy direction on subsidy and stop interloping. Criticism is so easy, but what are you offering as a better alternative?” he asked.
The ADC chieftain said Atiku’s new position on fuel subsidy was based on a “clear review and deep evaluation” of the country’s economic realities, particularly what he described as the “unproductive manner” in which the current government was handling the policy.
He therefore advised Olawepo-Hashim to study Atiku’s economic prescriptions before criticising them.
“Olawepo should first take time to study Atiku’s prescription before joining the fray blindly,” Fabiyi said.
Fabiyi further declared that Nigeria needs Atiku to address its economic challenges, describing the former Vice President as a serious leader capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.
“Nigerians need serious leaders or candidates who can make their lives better. Tinubu has taken their lives away,” he said.
He maintained that the debate over subsidy removal should focus on practical solutions capable of reducing hardship and improving the welfare of Nigerians rather than political criticism