A senior chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Ajiboye, has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not remove the fuel subsidy, but merely announced its planned removal.
Ajiboye made the remarks during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, monitored by DAILY POST on Monday. He explained that when President Tinubu assumed office, continuing the subsidy was no longer feasible.
“Right as we speak today, in May 2023, whether we like it or not, there was no possibility of continuing with subsidy,” Ajiboye said. He added, “Tinubu did not remove it, he only announced the removal. Some people are questioning why he would announce subsidy removal without preparing for it, but it was not possible to continue the subsidy at the time he came to power.”
The APC chieftain also highlighted the administration’s achievements in stabilising the economy. He noted a significant drop in the unemployment rate, from 33 percent to about four percent, attributing the improvement to growth in sectors beyond the traditional economy.
Ajiboye further assured that payment of civil servants’ salaries has remained consistent, with no delays. He observed that state governments no longer rely on borrowing to meet payroll obligations as was previously common.
His comments aim to address public concerns over fuel pricing and economic management, while emphasising that the current administration has maintained fiscal responsibility and improved socio-economic stability across the country.
