A renowned Ondo-based lawyer, Olurotimi Daudu, has thrown his weight behind the removal of the fuel subsidy, saying the action is in the interest of the ‘poor and not the rich.’
Mr Daudu, who was reacting to the removal of the fuel subsidy by the new President, Bola Tinubu, said Nigerians needed to exercise little patience as the decision is in the interest of the common man and the majority.
“Anytime we talk about fuel subsidy, what we do is to subsidise for the rich and how many poor Nigerians have the vehicle we talking about?
“So for me, that’s a good thing that he (Tinubu) has removed it. Although it’s going to be hard, there is nothing good that comes easy,” he said on Tuesday in Akure.
On Monday, Mr Tinubu announced that his government would no longer pay fuel subsidy, saying it’s only profiting the rich at the expense of the country’s economic growth.
He explained that subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources, adding that the fund should be re-channelled towards infrastructure and investment.
“We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care, jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions,” Mr Tinubu said while delivering his speech, shortly after he took the oath of office.
Positing further, the Ondo lawyer said Nigerians would soon overcome the challenges that come with the removal of the fuel subsidy.
He specifically noted that the decision must have been a very tough one to make for Mr Tinubu, adding that the new President already meant well for the country with some of his policies.
“Initially, we are going to feel the pains, I just encourage Nigerians to trust in Tinubu. He means well for Nigeria, and are going to overcome those initial challenges and the time of prosperity will be enthroned on our country, ” he said.
While stressing the need to boom the economy of the country, Mr Daud said that governance under Mr Tinubu’s administration would need a ‘paradigm shift’ to attract development.
“We expect a complete paradigm shift in governance as this is a man who is passionate about the development of Nigeria. He is a man with tremendous capacity and a global network.
“So, we know he is going to build our economy, and there will be jobs for our youths. Nigeria will gain tremendous international recognition because of the goodwill he possesses,” he added.
