Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has shared a significant conversation he once had with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, reflecting on Nigeria’s challenging fuel subsidy policy and its removal under the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Radda recounted that during a private discussion with Buhari, the former leader openly expressed sympathy for Tinubu, describing him as “brave” for daring to eliminate the longstanding fuel subsidy. Buhari reportedly told Radda that he pitied President Tinubu for boldly taking such a politically risky step, a move he personally found difficult to implement while in office.
Buhari’s Words on Tinubu’s Bold Decision
Speaking to a group of journalists during the funeral events in Daura, the governor narrated the exact words Buhari used:
“Let me use his words: ‘I pity Bola (President Tinubu) for what he is doing. He is a brave man for removing the fuel subsidy.
When I was president, whenever I made an attempt to remove the subsidy, a lot of people would give me too many reasons not to do so.
But Bola did it immediately. If he had consulted people, he could not have removed the fuel subsidy now.’”
This statement highlights the deeply entrenched challenges and political sensitivities surrounding the removal of the fuel subsidy in Nigeria, a policy that has long drained the country’s financial resources yet remained a volatile issue among the populace.
Buhari’s Passing Leaves a Leadership Vacuum
Governor Radda also lamented that Buhari’s death has left a significant vacuum in Nigerian leadership, particularly within the northern political landscape and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The late president, who passed away on Sunday in a London medical facility at the age of 82, was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, amidst full military honours.
His burial was attended by top political figures, dignitaries, and leaders from across Nigeria who came to pay their last respects. Buhari’s influence in shaping Nigeria’s political discourse, especially on national economic policies like fuel subsidy and governance reforms, remains undeniable.
The Impact of Fuel Subsidy Removal on Nigeria’s Economy
President Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy has stirred both commendations and criticisms nationwide. While some experts and international observers, such as the World Bank, have applauded the policy as necessary for economic recovery and fiscal balance (World Bank Analysis), many Nigerians continue to face the harsh economic realities that followed the decision.
The subsidy removal is projected to save Nigeria billions of dollars annually, funds which the government claims will be redirected towards infrastructure, health, and education. However, the immediate effects have seen a sharp rise in fuel prices, inflation, and general cost of living, making life more difficult for many ordinary citizens.
Conclusion
Governor Radda’s revelation of his conversation with Buhari adds a new perspective to the ongoing national debate on the fuel subsidy issue. It underscores both the political courage and the heavy burden President Tinubu carries in implementing deeply unpopular but economically essential policies.
As Nigeria navigates these turbulent economic reforms, the nation watches closely how Tinubu’s administration manages the socio-economic consequences, striving to balance fiscal sustainability with public welfare.
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