Harry Archie
Former Nigerian Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to restore the fuel subsidy if he wins the presidential election.
Atiku made the promise during an interview with DCL Hausa on Wednesday night.He said he was not against the removal of the fuel subsidy, but questioned what had happened to the money saved after it was removed.
According to him, the money should have been used to reduce poverty, help children who are out of school and improve the lives of Nigerians.
“Where is the money? It has been stolen. I will restore the fuel subsidy,” Atiku was quoted as saying.
Atiku also accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of being one of the most corrupt governments, claiming that government funds were being diverted.
He said that if given the opportunity to lead Nigeria, anyone who stole public funds would be made to return the money.
Atiku said his goal was to ensure that the country’s resources are used to improve the lives of the people instead of ending up in the hands of a few individuals.
The Tinubu administration removed the fuel subsidy in May 2023, a decision that led to higher petrol prices and increased the cost of living for many Nigerians.
The Tinubu government has repeatedly defended the removal of the subsidy, saying it reduced the financial burden on the government.
However, Atiku has continued to question how the money saved from the subsidy removal has been used, saying Nigerians should have seen its impact in reduced hardship and better living conditions.
His promise to restore the fuel subsidy is one of the major policies he is putting forward as the campaign for the 2027 general election begins in Nigeria.
