Subsidy removal is a blessing in disguise – Osun monarch
An Osun monarch, Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi has backed President Bola Tinubu’s decision on fuel subsidy removal, discribing it as a blessing in disguise.
Oba Akanbi expressed his support for the fuel subsidy removal in a statement by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem on Friday, noting that the subsidy system is an organized crime to enrich some individuals in the country.
The monarch said the fuel subsidy removal announced by the president on Monday is necessary as it is dangerous to the growth of the economy.
While expressing confidence that President Tinubu’s administration will rebuild the country with a key interest in people’s welfare, the traditional ruler urged Tinubu create temporary measures to mitigate the immediate effect of the fuel subsidy removal on masses.
Oluwo said, “I’m an optimist. Every Nigerian should be. The greatness of Nigeria should be our collective assignment and happiness.
“The subsidy system is an organised crime to enrich the few rich Nigerians. It’s inimical to the growth and survival of our dear country. No government can survive in Nigeria by paying subsidies on petrol consumption.
“Subsidy removal is a blessing in disguise. Tinubu is a leader with unquantifiable administrative prowess. Nigerians should exercise patience with him.
“All his major contenders in the election have earlier pledged subsidy removal during their respective party campaign. Let’s be honest and patriotic by supporting this government to succeed.
“The president should fast track the implementation of national palliative that will decimate the immediate effect of subsidy removal on Nigerians.
“Tinubu is a national asset and a pride. We have given Nigerians our best from the South West. We exercise no doubt in his administrative prowess for renewed hope. Nigerians are safe under him.
“The removal regime will eventually put us on track. I appeal to Nigerians most especially the labour union to give President Tinubu the benefit of the doubt.”
The Osun monarch urged the Organised Labour leaders to rescind their decision of embarking on strike and protest over the removal of fuel subsidy, adding that they will only worsen the current situation in the country.
“Industrial action and protests will do more harm than good to our economy. He needs our cooperation to cut wastage and strengthen our economy.
“In advanced countries, they subsidise housing and health, not petroleum. I will look forward to such things in this new government soon,” Oluwo added.