Fuel Subsidy Removal: Peter Obi calls for Transparency, Accountability from Federal Government

In a recent interview with News Central, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria.

Obi, known for his strong stance on transparency and good governance, called on the Federal Government to clearly outline how the savings from the subsidy removal are being utilized.

“If you removed fuel subsidy, show us where it is going into so it can be tracked,” Obi urged, stressing the need for transparency in government figures.
He argued that if the subsidy has indeed been removed, the government should specify the projects or initiatives that will benefit from the redirected funds. This, he said, would allow for proper tracking and accountability.

Obi also expressed concern over the rising national debt and the increasing cost of living, despite the removal of the subsidy.
He highlighted the potential disconnect between government actions and the lived realities of citizens, raising questions about the overall impact of the subsidy removal on the populace.

Furthermore, Obi stressed the importance of preserving democracy in Nigeria. He advocated for the implementation of biometric systems to ensure the integrity of electoral processes and called for greater scrutiny in the country’s borrowing and spending practices.
According to Obi, prioritising areas that require urgent attention is crucial for the nation’s development.

Addressing recent remarks by Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, who expressed confidence in winning the 2027 election, Obi clarified that his focus remains on addressing the current challenges faced by Nigerians, rather than future electoral ambitions.

He underscored that he is not desperate for the presidency, but rather, committed to improving the welfare of the Nigerian people.

On the issue of the prosecution of #EndBadGovernance protesters, Obi reaffirmed the right of citizens to peaceful protest. He criticized the federal government’s approach of resorting to punitive measures, advocating instead for constructive dialogue with protesters.

Obi recalled his tenure as governor of Anambra State, during which he personally engaged with protesters who shut down government agencies, opting for direct dialogue over confrontation.