The Presidency has reacted to a statement by the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki criticising the removal of fuel subsidy without a detailed plan on how to cushion its aftershock.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, in a statement, urged the Edo governor to be more circumspect in his reactions.
In a lengthy statement on the government’s X handle, the FG faulted Obaseki’s stance.
The statement reads, “The statement credited to Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, which was used as the lead front-page story in Thisday Newspaper of today (Thursday, August 24, 2023) did not come to anyone as a surprise. However, it is essential to clarify certain narratives for a more informed public discourse.
“Governor Obaseki has, in recent times, shifted focus to the nation’s economic challenges as cannon fodder to divert attention from his poor performance at the state level since his move to the Peoples Democratic Party.
“While it is common for leaders to have divergent views, it’s crucial to align criticism with reality and to premise discourse on tangible results. Governor Obaseki’s comments regarding the APC-led Federal Government’s decisions on fuel subsidy and foreign exchange market reforms perhaps overlooked the broader economic picture.
“It’s well documented that Nigerians, State Governors across party lines, and global institutions including the World Bank and IMF along with various economic experts, have consistently advocated for the removal of fuel subsidy because of the fiscal distortions and burden it has placed on the economy.”
The statement further criticised Governor Obaseki for being a member of the National Economic Council (NEC) where decisions relating to the economy were taken.
It further faulted the Governor for not being present in the previous two NEC meetings of the Vice President and Governors of the 36 states.
It recalled the federal government’s efforts to help 20 million vulnerable Nigerians through social support.
A committee is also formed to discuss better wages for workers and address living costs. Plans include affordable public transport, farmer support, and crop cultivation.
It stated the government, led by President Tinubu, is dedicated to improving lives and the nation’s future.
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