A political support group in Ogun State, Yayi Ni Wura Alliance Movement, has asked President Bola Tinubu to restore fuel subsidy, warning that the soaring cost of petrol has deepened hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
The group made the call in Abeokuta while announcing that it has cut ties with PDP’s Ogun Central senatorial candidate, Iyabo Obasanjo, over unresolved crises in the party. The group equally said it has defected to the camp of All Progressives Congress, APC.
Speaking in an interview with DAILY POST, the Director of Media and Publicity of the group, Comrade Wasiu Adejumo, popularly known as Westo, said although the removal of subsidy has boosted infrastructure and increased allocations to states, the masses are yet to feel direct benefits.
According to Adejumo, the yearning of Nigerians for restoration of subsidy is expected, given the hike in transport fares, house rent and cost of living.
“Truly the cost of fuel is on the high side. So the people’s voice yearning for restoration of subsidy is expected. Our position as a group is for Mr President to consider the masses,” he said.
He urged the Presidency to consider full restoration of subsidy, and if not possible due to ongoing national projects, introduce a partial subsidy to reduce fuel pump price.
“If it is possible, yes, we stand by it. And if it is not possible, the Presidency should consider a partial subsidy because there are a lot of infrastructures going on,” Adejumo stated.
The group admitted that the country is benefitting from subsidy removal through rail projects, ICT innovations and increased Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, to governors, but argued that the benefits are not directly reaching the grassroots.
Adejumo said the benefits are at the level of those in government, which is why many Nigerians judge the administration based on the price of fuel, adding that a partial subsidy would provide immediate relief.
He also reacted to President Tinubu’s call for citizens to hold their leaders accountable, saying not every Nigerian has access to the media.
Despite the hardship, Adejumo said the group is satisfied with the administration and is committed to mobilising 100,000 votes for Tinubu’s re-election and for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, to emerge as Ogun governor in 2027.
‘Nigerians are suffering’ – Ogun group backs return of fuel subsidy