Buhari didn’t remove fuel subsidy because of ordinary Nigerians — Adesina

Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has revealed that Buhari’s decision not to remove fuel subsidies during his tenure was driven by his concern for the ordinary Nigerians.

He disclosed this in a tribute celebrating Buhari’s 82nd birthday on Tuesday.

Adesina described his former boss as a “friend of the poor” and highlighted the president’s unwavering focus on the well-being of ordinary Nigerians.

Adesina, who referred to Buhari as “Ore Mekunu” — a Yoruba term meaning a friend of the poor — explained that the decision to retain the subsidy was rooted in Buhari’s desire to protect the masses, even when faced with the reality that some corrupt leaders were benefiting from the system.

“The big elephant in the room was the removal of fuel subsidy. Did you think the government didn’t know that the money-guzzling monster had to be slain? It knew. But who ensured that subsidies remained as long as they did? Buhari. And why? The people, the ordinary people,” Adesina stated.

He recalled that during Buhari’s presidency, oil prices soared to as high as $140 per barrel on the international market, but the benefits were not passed on to the common people.

“When oil sold for at least $100 per barrel, rising even to $140 per barrel, what did the ordinary people gain? Nothing! So why should they bear the brunt when oil prices fall?” Adesina continued.

Though acknowledging that Buhari might have shared the conviction to remove the subsidy at the end of his tenure, Adesina emphasized that Buhari chose to delay such a decision to prevent hardship for the people.

He stressed that even in retirement, Buhari continued to attract large crowds due to his genuine concern for the welfare of the poor.

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