…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Haruna Gololo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Bauchi state, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to repeat the mistakes made by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
Gololo urged the president to focus on job creation for Nigerians rather than distributing money as a means to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
Tinubu’s Loan Proposal for Hardship Reduction
Tinubu had recently requested the National Assembly’s approval for an $800 million loan to serve as a palliative measure and alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.
The president disclosed that the loan, sourced from the World Bank, would provide N8,000 monthly to 12 million households.
Additional Appropriation for Subsidy Cuts
In addition to the loan proposal, the national assembly has allocated an extra N500 billion in an amendment to the 2022 supplementary budget to address the hardships resulting from subsidy cuts.
Cautionary Words Regarding Cash Distribution
Responding to these developments, Gololo issued a statement to journalists expressing his concerns.
He warned President Tinubu against implementing a scheme similar to the COVID-19 palliatives, as Nigerians still question how relief packages were disbursed during that period.
He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds.
Job Creation and Infrastructure Investment
Gololo suggested that the funds should be utilized for job creation initiatives, such as refurbishing Nigerian refineries or establishing new industries to provide employment opportunities for youth and school leavers.
Additionally, he proposed investing in transportation infrastructure to alleviate the burden of transportation costs on Nigerians.
Lessons from Previous Palliative Programs
The APC chieftain highlighted the controversies surrounding previous palliative programs, including the diversion of coronavirus relief funds and criticism of former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo regarding the promised N5,000 for elderly citizens and the school feeding program.
In conclusion, Gololo advised President Tinubu to exercise caution and learn from past mistakes, ensuring that the funds are utilized effectively to create jobs and invest in critical infrastructure, while maintaining transparency and accountability in the process.