Group supports Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal, calls for calm

A group, Tinubu National Think-Tank (TNT), has welcomed the pronouncement of President Bola Tinubu on the removal of fuel subsidy.

In his inaugural address on Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared an end to the era of subsidy payment, stating that the 2023 budget did not provide for fuel subsidy, making further payment unjustifiable.

Shortly after President Tinubu announcement, queues returned in major petrol stations across the country, especially in Lagos and Abuja.

The situation grew worse on Tuesday as pump price of petrol rose astronomically.

Speaking Tuesday in Abuja at the TNT Victory Party and Gala Night in celebration of Tinubu’s inauguration, Adewale Adeogun, the group’s National Coordinator, said subsidy only favoured the elite adding that the decision to remove fuel subsidy was a step in the right direction.

“During his campaign, Tinubu said he was going to do everything within the ambit of law and for the interest of Nigeria. I believe the removal of the fuel subsidy is in the interest of Nigeria especially the downtrodden, because according to sources, subsidy only favours the elites.

“The beginning might be a little bit tough, but at the end, we will smile because the money accrued from oil will be used for the betterment of Nigerians. Nigerians should expect the best and be patient with him, because this is democracy,” he said.

He said Tinubu’s administration would unite Nigeria, adding that no tribe or ethnic group would be left out.

“Nobody should feel threatened under Tinubu’s administration, he is going to govern a united Nigeria, where no ethnic nationality will feel threatened. We saw what he did in Lagos that no governor has ever done, he brought everybody together from all parts of the country.

“My message to Nigerians, is now that he is our President, we should give him that chance to do what is best for Nigeria. They should equally pray for him, because every Nigerian needs prayer,” Adeogun.

A stakeholder at TNT, Comrade Okedara Kolawole, said: “Removal of subsidy at this early stage should not be condemned. It’s a right step in the right direction.”