I wouldn’t have hurriedly removed fuel subsidy like Tinubu did – Atiku Abubakar

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of fuel subsidy removal on Inauguration Day.

He said the president should have first made provision for palliative measures before removing subsidy.

Speaking to newly elected PDP officials on Saturday in Bauchi State, Atiku said that is what he would have done if he were the president.

Tinubu’s announcement generated floods of both criticisms and praises while it resulted in hike of fuel price, thereby affecting other facets of life.

Channels TV reports that Atiku said he would have adopted a two-phase methodology which was introduced when he was vice president between 1999 to 2007.

He said; “Between 1999 and 2007, the PDP government initiated the petroleum subsidy removal and I chaired the committee. We achieved subsidy removal in two phases but only after providing palliatives to those most affected by the subsidy removal.

“We have the experience as a party in government. That is what we would have done and not just announced subsidy removal without discussion with the affected sectors of the economy. I think Nigerians should appreciate what they have temporarily lost.”