Yesterday, the first media chart to be held by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was aired. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga revealed thus in a statement he released titled, ” Airing of Presidential media chart ”
At the media chat, the President was asked by one of the reporters if he thinks he could have phased the removal of subsidy and harmonisation of forex rate.
The reporter, Mauwpe Ogunyusulf from Channels Television asked the President,
” Mr President we must admit though That things have been pretty tough this year for many household and perhaps on the back of the reforms that you also admitted had been tough for Nigerians. With benefit of hindsight, do you think that perhaps you could have phased the removal of subsidy on feel and harmonisation of forex rate or do you think you could have withheld it until you come up with a contingency plan in place?
The President then asked what was contingency and where it was. Stating that the country was spending its future and generation fortune. He also spoke of the reform being necessary. He stated that he could see the smugglers fighting back but he remains unaffected.
He then encouraged management of resources. He said
“We were just deceiving ourselves. That reform was necessary. Why should you have expenditures that we don’t have revenue for?
“We should teach management in all our programmes, we have to manage our resources.
“There is no way you give out fuel and allow all the entire neighbouring countries as Father Christmas. I don’t have regret whatsoever removing the subsidy. It is necessary.
“We cannot spend our future generation investments upfront.”
” Do you think it could have been phased” she asked once again. Which he gave this reply.
“It is part of the fear that is unnecessary. No matter how you cut it in segment you still have to meet the bills. So cut your coat strictly to your size. We have not choice but to reduce the average otherwise we are headed in slippery slope”
He spoke about having expenditure we don’t have revenue for. He once again encouraged management of resources as a Nation. He said it is not just for us but generations to come.
Mixed reactions has followed the President statement. A group of people probably agree with him while some see it as insensitivity.
Nigerians are having an festive period like no other. The fuel subsidy has been a huge hit to the citizens of the country. The inflation price has hit alot and it was indeed somewhat soothing to listen to the topmost leaders talk but the responses heard has lead to some level of agitation.
I wanna know your opinions too
Edited by:Oladeji Olabisi
