The Presidency has criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his remarks on how President Bola Tinubu handled the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Obi had called on the government to account for the billions of naira generated from the subsidy removal, describing the implementation as “haphazard” and lacking organization.
In response, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Communication, accused Obi of having a shallow understanding of economics and governance.
Bwala suggested that Obi’s interest lies in seizing power rather than offering viable alternatives. He pointed out that Obi agreed with the policy of subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification but claimed he would have executed it in a more “organized manner.”
Obi, in an interview on Arise News, maintained that while he supports the removal of the fuel subsidy, it should have been done gradually and with proper planning to avoid economic hardship.
He acknowledged that the subsidy regime was riddled with corruption and needed to end but questioned where the billions saved have been invested, emphasizing critical sectors such as education, health, and poverty alleviation.
Obi said, “I have consistently maintained that I would have removed the fuel subsidy. If you go to my manifesto, it is there and the steps I would have taken in an organized manner. There is nothing wrong with the removal of fuel subsidy. What is wrong is the haphazard way in which it was announced and implemented.”
The Presidency’s critique reflects ongoing political tensions as Obi continues to challenge the current administration’s economic policies while affirming his own approach as more structured and transparent.
