Professor Ikechukwu asserts that President Tinubu’s immediate removal of fuel subsidy demonstrates a significant and impactful decision akin to that of former President Obasanjo. He commends the president for his promptness, stating that waiting longer may have hindered or prevented the removal altogether. However, he emphasizes the importance of addressing the resulting consequences arising from this bold move.
Human Capital Development Expert Professor Okey Ikechukwu has claimed that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy is reminiscent of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s initial actions in office. In an interview with Arise TV news, Professor Ikechukwu stated that had President Tinubu delayed the removal of the subsidy, it may not have been possible to do so later. He believes that this decision sends a strong message about the new administration.
He said, ”It was a good decision to remove fuel subsidy by the President. Subsidy needed to go. Now, it has fallout and those fall out must be addressed. My fear is that if he had actually waited beyond that day, we wouldn’t have been able to remove the fuel subsidy. Tinubu’s first order reminded me of what Obasanjo did when he became President. Obasanjo retired all the senior military officers who had political exposure. If he had taken it to the next week, he wouldn’t have been able to do it.”
According to Professor Ikechukwu, the removal of fuel subsidy was a commendable move by President Tinubu. He argues that the subsidy needed to be eliminated, although he acknowledges that it has caused certain consequences that must be addressed. The professor expresses concern that if President Tinubu had waited beyond his first day in office, removing the subsidy may have been more challenging or even impossible.
Drawing a parallel with former President Obasanjo, Professor Ikechukwu highlights a similar bold decision made during his first days as president. He recalls how Obasanjo retired senior military officers with political exposure, and suggests that if Obasanjo had delayed this action, it might not have been feasible. In this context, he sees President Tinubu’s swift action to remove fuel subsidy as a parallel to Obasanjo’s approach to restructuring the military.
[Start From 5:47]
https://youtu.be/GKhYM3d_qQk
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