‘My Position Hasn’t Changed’ — Atiku Insists He’ll Restore ‘Targeted Subsidy’ if Elected President

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says his plan on petrol subsidy remains unchanged and he will not hesitate to restore it if elected president.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate spoke on Tuesday when he received the Osun state leadership of the ADC in Abuja.

On Monday, Paul Ibe, one of Atiku’s media aides, had said though the former vice-president would restore petrol subsidy if elected but would phase it out later.

Speaking during a programme on AIT, Ibe said the temporary intervention would give Nigerians and businesses room to recover, stimulate economic activity and improve productivity.

‘HE WAS NOT SPEAKING ON MY AUTHORITY’

Atiku, however, distanced himself from Ibe’s remark, saying he did not speak on his authority. “This afternoon or this evening, so many Nigerians have been calling me to say that, you know, one of my press aides had contradicted me in my policy statement as far as subsidy is concerned,” Atiku said. “I want to repeat categorically that what I said, I will return subsidy, I will. And I shall. Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens.

“Therefore, let it be clearly stated that he was not speaking on my own authority because the removal of subsidy has driven more Nigerians into poverty than at any other time in the history of this country.”

He argued that the fundamental responsibility of the government is the welfare of the citizens, saying his second cardinal agenda is to secure the country.

“I will make sure we secure this country. We are competing with thieves. They stole the election. Now they have stolen the economy. They have stolen everything,” Atiku said.

The former vice-president said his position on subsidy “has not changed and will not change”. Atiku said restoring subsidy would help put purchasing power back in the hands of Nigerians, adding that he would not restore what he described as the “import racket”.

“I will restore targeted subsidy and put purchasing power back in the hands of Nigerians,” Atiku said.

“When fuel rises, transport rises. When transport rises, food rises. When food rises, families suffer. I will break that wretched chain that has defined our national life in the nearly four years of Tinubu’s presidency.

“I will support Nigerian production, reduce energy costs and restore purchasing power. I will not restore the import racket; I will restore relief.”

Atiku said his administration would also focus on improving the value of the naira, making daily living more affordable and securing Nigerians.

“I will make the naira in your pocket worth more, make daily living affordable again, and secure our people. Economic security. Physical security. A better life for every Nigerian,” he said.