…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Reduction in Workdays for Edo State Civil Servants
In response to the removal of fuel subsidy, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has announced a reduction in the workdays for state civil servants, limiting their attendance to three days a week.
Federal Government’s Fuel Subsidy Removal and Rising Cost of Living
The Nigerian Federal Government’s decision to remove fuel subsidy has caused a significant increase in the prices of goods and services, leading to a surge in the overall cost of living.
This development has generated widespread grievances among the citizens.
Edo State Government Addresses Citizen Hardships
Governor Obaseki personally issued a statement expressing the Edo State Government’s empathy for the hardships faced by the people.
The government assured its commitment to alleviating the suffering of its citizens during these challenging times.
As a proactive measure, the minimum wage for workers in Edo State has been increased from the approved N30,000 to N40,000, which is currently the highest in the country.
Peter Obi’s Conditional Support for Subsidy Removal
Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), affirmed his support for the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, provided certain conditions are met.
Obi, who previously served as a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team during the Goodluck Jonathan era, has long advocated for the elimination of subsidy.
He criticized the misappropriation of resources through the subsidy scheme and emphasized that his position is rooted in empirical evidence that challenges the claimed fuel consumption rates.
Critique of Tinubu’s Approach to Subsidy Removal
Dumebi Kachikwu, the Presidential Candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) in the last election, criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its handling of fuel subsidy removal.
Kachikwu pointed out that Tinubu’s predecessor, Muhamadu Buhari, did not adequately address the subsidy issue in the budget proposal for the year, leaving Tinubu to grapple with its consequences.
According to Kachikwu, Buhari sought to evade responsibility for fuel subsidy just before leaving office, effectively passing the burden to the incoming administration.
Nigerians’ Lamentations and Suffering Continue
The removal of fuel subsidy by President Tinubu has prompted widespread suffering and complaints among Nigerians.
The impact of this policy change on the daily lives of citizens remains a pressing concern, with the absence of a well-structured approach exacerbating the challenges faced by the populace.
The consequences of Buhari’s decision to defer addressing the subsidy issue have left Tinubu’s administration to navigate a difficult path forward.