The elimination of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu and the government of the All Progressive Congress (APC) on which platform the governors of Nigeria were elected, has been blamed for the severe hardship being experienced by Nigerians.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, made the lamentation public following a meeting of the APC governors in Abuja on Wednesday night.
He also announced plans by the APC governors to meet with the President Tinubu-led Nigerian government to seek an immediate solution to the hardship Nigerians were currently experiencing.
Governor Uzodimma acknowledged that even while the elimination of fuel subsidies would raise federal funding for states, subnational governments would still have to support the federal government in its efforts to lessen the suffering of the general populace.
According to The Punch, the governors of the ruling party reportedly stressed during the meeting, their commitment to addressing the current hardships brought about by the rise in fuel prices as a result of removal of subsidies and reassuring Nigerians that the states and local governments were actively collaborating with the federal government to find practical solutions to lessen the burden on the people.
Following the meeting, Governor Uzodinma reportedly addressed the media, saying, “Concerning the upcoming FAAC, we are aware that the removal of the fuel subsidy will increase the amount of money that will be received in our coffers during the Federation Account meeting. We are working with the Federal Government to ensure that it is utilized in a way that the citizens are satisfied and the economy of the country will be protected.”
At the National Economic Council meeting, the governors were expected to meet with Vice-President Kashim Shettima to further discuss plans and actions to assist Nigerians in these trying times.
The governors pledged that managing the effects of the subsidy reduction in a way that benefits all Nigerians remained their top priority adding that they would do everything in their power to uphold this commitment.
They, therefore, urged Nigerians to exercise patience and gave the assurance that the palliative measures, which were being developed in collaboration with the Federal Government, would soon go into effect, easing the financial burdens brought about by removal of subsidy and promoting economic stability and growth all across the country.
