The leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Edwin Clark, has urged Nigerians not to blame President Bola Tinubu for the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary action to end what he called a long-standing scam. Clark emphasized that the subsidy issue had been controversial for years, with previous governments also opposing its continuation.
During a meeting with High Chief Benjamin Tamaranebi, President of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Clark also called on President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on food insecurity due to the growing hunger and discontent across the country.
Clark highlighted that while protests against the removal are understandable, they are a fundamental part of democratic expression and should not be suppressed. He recalled that Tinubu himself had led protests against former President Goodluck Jonathan over the same issue, stressing that the current administration should focus on implementing measures to alleviate the economic hardships faced by Nigerians following the subsidy removal.
The elder statesman also pointed out that during the 2023 presidential campaign, all major candidates had committed to ending the fuel subsidy, reinforcing the consensus that it was no longer sustainable. He concluded by urging the government to take effective steps to address poverty and economic challenges in the country.
News Editor