Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday, lambasted President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for removing fuel subsidy without providing palliatives and holding discussions with the affected sectors of the economy before taking the decision.
Atiku spoke on Saturday during the PDP retreat for elected officials held in Bauchi.
In his inaugural speech on Monday, President Tinubu, had said “subsidy is gone,” resulting in panic buying hours later and a hike in pump price by almost 300 per cent two days after.
But Atiku in his reaction said, “Let me make a passing remark on the announced fuel subsidy removal. Between 1999 and 2007 the PDP government initiated petroleum subsidy removal and I chaired the Committee.
“We achieved fuel subsidy in two phases but only after providing palliatives to those most affected by the subsidy removal.
“We have the experience as the party and a government, and that is what we would have done; not just announce subsidy removal without discussion with the affected sectors of the economy. I think Nigerians should appreciate what they have temporarily lost.”
The PDP presidential flagbearer, who came second in the February 25 presidential election, is currently challenging President Tinubu’s victory in court.