Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says his plan on petrol subsidy remains unchanged and he will not hesitate to restore it if elected president.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate
spoke on Tuesday when he received the Osun state leadership of the ADC in
Abuja.
On Monday, Paul Ibe, one of Atiku’s media aides, had said
though the former vice-president would restore petrol subsidy if elected but
would phase it out later.
Speaking during a programme on AIT, Ibe said the temporary
intervention would give Nigerians and businesses room to recover, stimulate
economic activity and improve productivity.
‘HE WAS NOT SPEAKING ON MY AUTHORITY’
Atiku, however, distanced himself from Ibe’s remark, saying
he did not speak on his authority. “This afternoon or this evening, so many
Nigerians have been calling me to say that, you know, one of my press aides had
contradicted me in my policy statement as far as subsidy is concerned,” Atiku
said. “I want to repeat categorically that what I said, I will return subsidy,
I will. And I shall. Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its
citizens.
“Therefore, let it be clearly stated that he was not
speaking on my own authority because the removal of subsidy has driven more
Nigerians into poverty than at any other time in the history of this country.”
He argued that the fundamental responsibility of the
government is the welfare of the citizens, saying his second cardinal agenda is
to secure the country.
“I will make sure we secure this country. We are competing
with thieves. They stole the election. Now they have stolen the economy. They
have stolen everything,” Atiku said.
The former vice-president said his position on subsidy “has
not changed and will not change”. Atiku said restoring subsidy would help put
purchasing power back in the hands of Nigerians, adding that he would not
restore what he described as the “import racket”.
“I will restore targeted subsidy and put purchasing power
back in the hands of Nigerians,” Atiku said.
“When fuel rises, transport rises. When transport rises,
food rises. When food rises, families suffer. I will break that wretched chain
that has defined our national life in the nearly four years of Tinubu’s
presidency.
“I will support Nigerian production, reduce energy costs and
restore purchasing power. I will not restore the import racket; I will restore
relief.”
Atiku said his administration would also focus on improving
the value of the naira, making daily living more affordable and securing
Nigerians.
“I will make the naira in your pocket worth more, make daily
living affordable again, and secure our people. Economic security. Physical
security. A better life for every Nigerian,” he said.
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