Tinubu Tackles Atiku Over Subsidy Promise: ‘Serious Ignorance of Governance and Economy’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his reported promise to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027, describing the position as a demonstration of “serious ignorance” of governance and economic realities.

Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday while speaking on the trajectory of Nigeria’s economy and the challenges his administration inherited.

“I saw one of my opponents now saying he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and economy,” the President said.

Tinubu argued that before his administration came into office, many state governments were struggling to meet their financial obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions.

“Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to even talk of pensioners and salaries of workers,” he said.

The President recalled the situation in some states where workers were allegedly receiving only part of their salaries, citing the nickname “half salary” as an example of the hardship experienced by workers.

He said the responsibilities of government extend beyond the payment of salaries to providing infrastructure and essential public services that directly affect ordinary Nigerians.

According to Tinubu, government must invest in road networks, housing, schools, hospitals and healthcare, while also training teachers and health workers to protect vulnerable families.

“The infrastructure you embark upon, on the road network, housing, school rehabilitation, hospital, healthcare pronouncements, resuscitation of healthcare, training of teachers, training of health workers to protect our vulnerable families, it’s part of your responsibility,” he said.

Recall that President Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy on the 29th of May 2023, moments after he was sworn in as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.