Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has come out swinging in defense of her husband, President Bola Tinubu, amidst mounting criticism over the country’s economic woes. The controversy surrounds the removal of the fuel subsidy, which President Tinubu announced during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. This move has led to a staggering increase in petrol prices, jumping from N198 to N1,030 per liter.
According to Senator Tinubu, her husband shouldn’t be blamed for Nigeria’s current economic challenges .She’s urging Nigerians not to point fingers at the President, emphasizing that the issues run deeper .The removal of the fuel subsidy has undoubtedly caused hardship, but the First Lady insists that it’s not her husband’s doing.
Speaking at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, the First Lady emphasized that the administration is still in its early stages and should not be blamed for the current challenges. She stated, “We are just 18 months into our administration; we are not the cause of the current situation; we are trying to fix it and secure the future.”
She further added, “We know that subsidy has been removed, but with God on our side, in the next two years, Nigeria will be greater than this. Those who attempted removing subsidies before could not see it through. But with your prayers in the next two years, we will build a nation for the future.”
Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, recently spoke at the inauguration of a hostel and 2.7-kilometer road donated to Obafemi Awolowo University, expressing gratitude for her and her husband’s position while assuring Nigerians of President Tinubu’s integrity. She emphasized their humility, saying, “We give glory to God for our status… we are not greedy.” Her remarks come at a time when the country is navigating the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, which has been a contentious issue .
The removal of the fuel subsidy has led to increased prices, with petrol now costing N1,030 per liter, up from N198. While some argue that the removal will free up financial resources for other sectors and reduce corruption, others are concerned about the potential negative consequences, such as decreased economic growth, inflation, and poverty .
During the ceremony, the Ooni of Ife praised the First Lady for her positive influence, noting her longstanding service as a role model since her days as the First Lady of Lagos State.
Mrs. Tinubu’s recent statement emphasizes the value of hard work, especially for Nigerian youth. She reminded them that “there’s no food for the lazy man,” even referencing God’s six days of work and one day of rest. This message comes as the government addresses economic challenges, particularly after the fuel subsidy removal .
The removal of the fuel subsidy has been a contentious issue, with both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, it’s expected to free up financial resources for other sectors, incentivize domestic refineries, reduce dependence on imported fuel, and increase employment. However, it may also lead to decreased economic growth, inflation, poverty, and increased fuel smuggling .
Mrs. Tinubu urged Nigerians to be patient with the current administration, emphasizing their commitment to stabilizing the economy and ensuring sustainable development. The government aims to use the funds saved from subsidy removal to support critical public infrastructure, reduce the budget deficit, and generate a budget surplus in the near future.
