Femi Adesina, the former spokesperson to ex President Muhammadu Buhari, has shed light on why his principal chose not to remove the petrol subsidy during his administration. According to Adesina, Buhari's decision was driven by concern for the well being of ordinary Nigerians, who he feared would bear the brunt of such a move.
Adesina emphasized that the former president was aware of the potential hardships that removing the subsidy could cause, particularly for those already struggling with economic challenges. Despite the financial strain the subsidy placed on the government, Buhari prioritized protecting the most vulnerable members of society, making the decision to maintain the subsidy during his tenure.
This revelation adds to the ongoing debate about the sustainability of the petrol subsidy in Nigeria and the government's role in balancing economic reforms with the needs of its citizens. It also highlights the complexity of governance and the tough choices leaders must make when addressing both long term economic stability and immediate public concerns.