Fuel subsidy is not fair to the poor, it has to go—Tinubu

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate for the All-Progressives Congress, traveled to Saudi Arabia to conduct the lesser Hajj, Umrah. The APC candidate, who has now returned to Nigeria, said that it was a journey for spiritual renewal and a chance to commune with Allah the Almighty. He said that he had come to pray for himself, Nigeria, and the community. In the Holy Land, he spoke with Freedom FM.

When discussing his campaign, Tinubu expressed confidence that he would win the upcoming election since he is involving every Nigerian in a variety of fields and sectors. He said “We are reaching each and every Nigerian. We decided that rallies are not always enough. We need to engage all Nigerians from all parts of the country and across all sectors of our socio-economic life. We have engaged businessmen, farmers, miners, industrialists, entertainers, labour leaders, and so on.”

He further added “By the engagements we are having it is clear that we are going to win this election. As the elections are coming closer the signs are clear and that is why our opponents are jittery. They have now resorted to peddling fake news and quoting some of my statements out of context just to score cheap points. “

Speaking about the fuel scarcity and subsidy, he said it favors the rich than the poor and that it is something his government is hoping to work on if elected into power. He said “Recently I was asked about fuel subsidy removal, and I said I will ensure we end the wastage and re-channel the money to the people who truly need it. This is one position that almost all the candidates are united about. We all agreed that the subsidy regime is abused and it favours the rich more than the poor. It has to go.”

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He added “I couldn’t have opposed people expressing their own position on this. I believe in consultation and guaranteed by democratic values and norms. I respect opinion of people and I would not be party to stifling dissenting views or any legitimate protest. I am a veteran of protests myself. So why should I say people should not embark on well-intentioned protest? There is no excuse for that and there is no abuse of power intended.”

Speaking about rumors about him trying to escape from direct interactions with Nigerians, especially media interviews, Tinubu denied such allegations and added that he has been attending townhall meetings and speaking to the people. “Are we not having interview now? I just finished talking to people through town-hall meetings and speaking directly to people. Those saying that are losers and they will lose.” He said when asked.”

Also addressing the situation of his health and fitness, the presidential aspirants described insinuations about his health as mere political tactics adopted by his competitors to divert Nigerians from the truth. He added that has been going on several tours and meetings across the country stating that this has further proved how fit he is as no sick person can ensure such rigors of the Presidency.

He added “I told you where I am now. I just finished performing the umrah. I did the seven rounds of tawaf, I did the seven trips between Safa and Marwa by myself. Can a sick person do that? That is stale news, my brother. People who are making those insinuations have nothing else to say but lies and rubbish. I have moved round, spoke at different platforms and stood for hours to address different audiences. Before, they said I could not walk, they said I could not stand, they are shamed.”

Tinubu also said “Since the campaign started, I have marshalled more original ideas than anyone else. I have demonstrated knowledge, experience and great capacity to be on top of issues in the country. And this job is about ideas and issues regarding leadership of our country. I have all it takes to be the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I am asking people of the country to have confidence and respect for that, look at my background and my previous assignments. I want to serve the country and serve the country very well.”