Buhari should have removed subsidy – Akande

The former Governor of Osun State, Adebisi Akande, has stated that former President Muhammadu Buhari could have successfully removed the subsidy during his administration.

Akande spoke during a live interview on Channels Television’s recently launched programme, Inside Sources.

The former governor, who was part of the administration, expressed his reservations about the economic decisions made by the Buhari government from the outset.

Despite his concerns, Akande said he refrained from publicly criticising the administration, citing his position within it.

“Removal of subsidy—between the time Buhari was elected president and the time he was inaugurated, we had several discussions, sessions and meetings to see that the subsidy should be removed.

“And he was convinced. And I thought that as soon as he got to power, he would remove the subsidy, but I don’t know what happened.

“After his inauguration, he started being careful, slowing down until the first four years. So, at the beginning of his first term, he came out; he wanted to remove the subsidy, but the country reacted and he had to back out,” Akande said.

“So, from the beginning, I was uncomfortable with Buhari having the subsidy in his hand. The subsidy ought to have been removed in his time; by now, Nigerians would have been used to it and it would have been smooth.”

He disclosed that he had discussed the removal of the subsidy with Buhari before his inauguration, and the then-president-elect appeared convinced.

Akande stated that he expected the subsidy to be eliminated early in Buhari’s term.

However, he said he observed a change in approach after Buhari assumed office, with a cautious and gradual approach that continued into the first four years.

According to Akande, Buhari initially expressed the intention to remove the subsidy at the beginning of his first term, but public reaction prompted a reconsideration.

Akande noted that he had discomfort with the delay in subsidy removal, suggesting that if done promptly, Nigerians would have adjusted to the change smoothly.

When Akande later raised the issue with Buhari, the former president pointed out the challenges facing the country, maintaining that there was a need for caution and tolerance and expressing the difficulty of introducing change in such circumstances.

According to the former governor, he speculated that the quality of advice received by Buhari might have influenced the management of the subsidy issue.