Garba Shehu, the former Senior Special Assistant on Media to former President Muhammadu Buhari, has provided explanations as to why the Buhari administration did not remove fuel subsidy.
Shehu argued that only a new administration with strong public support could attempt such a move, specifically mentioning President Bola Tinubu in this regard.
In a statement posted on his verified Twitter account on Monday, Shehu clarified that Buhari’s administration, in its final days, could not eliminate the controversial policy due to the upcoming elections and the need for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure victory.
Implementing the new Petroleum Industry Act, which could have resulted in the removal of subsidies, could have jeopardized the party’s position in office.
Shehu further emphasized that while Buhari did not remove petrol subsidy, his administration eliminated other budget-draining and detrimental subsidies throughout its tenure.
He highlighted the importance of the APC addressing questions about subsidy removal, but in their absence, he felt compelled to offer an explanation.
Shehu also acknowledged the current Tinubu/Shettima administration and its successful handling of subsidy removal and currency unification decisions.
He commended their timing and skill in avoiding any crisis arising from these actions.
According to Shehu, the decision to remove subsidies, including those for the Naira and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), was postponed and held back.
He argued that such a decision should not have been made during a period of heightened tensions in the country, as it could have exacerbated the situation.
Shehu suggested that only a new administration, backed by significant public goodwill, would be capable of attempting such a move, which he credited to the current Tinubu government.
Finally, Shehu highlighted the political reality of the Buhari administration’s final days, stating that it could not have fully pursued subsidy removal due to the impending elections. He claimed that any political party seeking re-election with a new leader would have faced similar constraints.
Polls reportedly indicated that the party would have lost the election if they had implemented the subsidy removal as outlined in the new Petroleum Industry Act.