We Will Remove Fuel Subsidy No Matter Your Protests – Tinubu Tells Nigerians
Bola Tinubu, the All Progressive Congress (APC), Presidential candidate, on Thursday told Nigerians that his administration if elected, will remove fuel subsidy no matter how long citizens protest the decision.
Tinubu while addressing a group of business owners at a business luncheon tagged ‘Business forward’ in Lagos state said Nigeria cannot be subsidizing fuel consumed by neighboring countries like Cameroon, Niger and Benin Republic.
“How can we be subsidising fuel consumption of Cameroon, Niger, Benin Republic? No matter how long you protest, we are going to remove the fuel subsidy.
“First, the primary responsibility of government is to protect the lives, property and prosperity of its citizens” the presidential hopeful said.
He also stated that his government will prioritize security just as he did when he was Lagos state governor.
“Only after we secured the state and changed its reputation for the better, could we embark on the economic reforms that have ultimately produced the vibrant and active megacity of today.
“I am committed to securing Nigerians from violence and the fear of such violence, terror, kidnapping and banditry have no place in the society I envision”.
“We will increase the numbers of our military and non-military security forces and specialist anti-terrorist battalions would be established.
“Our Critical National Infrastructure Protection Plan will deploy aerial and ground surveillance technology to survey the most dangerous areas and secure our country’s vital national infrastructure and installations.
“We shall acquire and upgrade the tactical communications and mobility of our troops and security personnel.
“We must also devote greater attention to the care and welfare of our military and security forces who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.
“In summary, our objective is to be able to out-maneuver, outwit and outflank the terrorists and criminal groups. They want to defeat our democratic and good society. We shall defeat their evil one.
“As we fight insecurity, we must deal with our economy at the same time. We know that business and insecurity cannot thrive side-by-side,” he said.
Tinubu further assured that his administration will provide the right policy framework for businesses to flourish and to grow the country’s economy.
“Our guiding principle regarding economic policy shall be to provide the right policy framework so that business can flourish.
“I want to do more than help existing businesses to exist. We must create the space where new sectors and lines of business can open.
“We must grow this economy so that it can accommodate over 200 million people with a decent standard of living.
“Part of the virtuous economic cycle we seek to create is to collaborate with the private sector to bring about massive infrastructural renewal.
“This will enhance economic opportunities, lower business cost and overheads while producing jobs that spur further growth and development through increased consumer demand,” Tinubu said.