Reps back Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal

The House of Representatives has backed President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of fuel subsidy removal.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, moved by Jimoh Olajide from Lagos State at plenary on Tuesday.

President Tinubu had in his inaugural speech after taking oath of office at the Eagle Square, Abuja on Monday, announced that fuel subsidy was gone.

“We commend the decision of the outgoing administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy regime which has increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor.

“Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions,” Tinubu said.

Read also: Fuel queues appear in Osun after President Tinubu’s inaugural speech

Moving the motion, Olajide commended Tinubu for the courage to end fuel subsidy and asked Nigerians to be patient with the new administration.

The lawmaker described Tinubu as a concerned senior citizen whose agenda was to favour the downtrodden.

He said the House was “aware that there is no provision for fuel subsidy in the 2023 Appropriation Act; the current 9th Assembly and the past administration had given it a legal backing.

“Convinced that further legislative actions in supporting Mr President in delivering dividends of democracy will go a long way in enhancing development because he asked for it, he campaigned for it. And he is ready for the task ahead.

“Convinced that President Tinubu is concerned about the masses and has a meaningful objective to utilise Nigeria funds appropriately with budgetary reforms agenda on education, health, infrastructure, agriculture ,food, security and above all security of lives and property as embedded in the constitution.”

Adopting the motion, the House congratulated Tinubu for his readiness for the national task ahead and service to humanity and appealed to Nigerians to “remain patient, resilient and prayerful so that the president can deliver on his promises.”