By Seyi Babalola
Former spokesperson for ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has said that his former principal did not withdraw the fuel subsidy because he was a friend of the poor.
Adesina stated that Buhari was concerned about the implications of fuel subsidy removal on the “ordinary” Nigerians.
The former presidential spokesman stated this in a tribute to Buhari on his 82nd birthday.
The tribute reads partly: “But who ensured that subsidies remained as long as it did? Buhari. And why? The people, the ordinary people. His argument was always simple:
“When oil sold for at least 100 dollars per barrel in the international market, rising even to as high as 140 dollars per barrel, what did the ordinary people gain? Nothing! So why should they be the ones to bear the brunt when oil prices fall?”
“Ordinary people gravitate towards Buhari, like bees to the honeycomb. That was why he always had a basket of millions of waiting votes, even before the first ballot was cast.
“As he turns 82 on December 17, 2024, I salute the Ore Mekunu, a friend of the poor, who still draws the people like a magnet, even in retirement.”
