Mr Ken Imansuagbon, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former governorship aspirant in Edo State, has endorsed the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, over his pledge to restore petrol subsidy if elected in 2027, saying the policy reversal would bring immediate relief to millions of Nigerians facing economic hardship. MonitoringExecutive Branch Policy Changes In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday in Benin City, Imansuagbon described the criticism that greeted Atiku’s position from the presidency and the ruling APC as “misplaced and politically motivated”.
The removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration has further impoverished Nigerians, worsened inflation and inflicted unprecedented hardship on families across the country, he said.
“The removal of fuel subsidy has not translated into better life of Nigerians, he said. Instead, it has pauperized millions of citizens, robbed workers of their purchasing power, made transportation, food, healthcare and education costlier, while businesses continue to shut down under the burden of unbearable operating costs.”
Atiku’s promise to reinstate the subsidy was not a sign of inconsistency but a display of bold leadership that can review policies that failed to meet their purpose, the ADC stalwart said.
“Atiku should not be faulted for being willing to reconsider a position he took in 2023. That’s what a people-oriented, compassionate leader does,” he said.
He added that despite the claim of trillions of naira savings from subsidy removal by the Federal Government, Nigerians had not seen much in terms of prudent application of the funds.
“Where are the trillions said to be saved? Nigerians demand honest answers. We still have collapsing infrastructure, deteriorating insecurity, failing hospitals, underfunded schools, mass unemployment and deepening poverty. “By now the ordinary Nigerian should have felt the impact if these huge resources were really invested in the welfare of the people,” he said.
He contended that the actual debate should not be about whether subsidy should remain or be removed but whether the policy had improved the ordinary citizens quality of life.
“The important question is simple. Has subsidy removal made life better for Nigerians? Clearly, the answer is no. “The resources released were supposed to improve transportation, healthcare, education, employment opportunities and social protection programs but Nigerians have only experienced more suffering and economic despair,” Imansuagbon added. BookingHistorical Guided Tours The former governorship aspirant said Atiku has the experience, competence and economic understanding required to pull Nigeria out of what he called a “economic quagmire” caused by the APC-led Federal Government.
“Atiku Abubakar is today the only presidential aspirant with the courage, capacity and economic blueprint to put Nigeria back on the path of recovery. “The pains inflicted on Nigerians under President Tinubu’s administration can start to heal within Atiku’s first 100 days in office through people-centred economic reforms, including the restoration of subsidy where necessary to cushion the suffering of citizens,” he said.
He eulogized the former vise president for his undying love for mankind and commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people while urging Nigerian citizens to look beyond party sentiments and support policies that could bring hope to the country.
He insisted that Nigeria’s economic recovery should be paramount over politics, adding that any policy that failed to improve the living condition of the people deserved to be reviewed in the national interest.
