The former Governor of Osun State, Adebisi Akande, has expressed that former President Muhammadu Buhari had the potential to eliminate the subsidy successfully during his time in office.’
Akande made these remarks in a live interview on the newly introduced program, Inside Sources, on Channels Television.
As a former governor and member of the administration, he voiced reservations about the economic decisions undertaken by the Buhari government right from the beginning.
Despite harboring concerns, Akande mentioned that he chose not to publicly criticize the administration, considering his position within it.
“Removal of subsidy—between the time Buhari was elected president and the time he was inaugurated, we had several discussions, sessions and meetings to see that the subsidy should be removed.
“And he was convinced. And I thought that as soon as he got to power, he would remove the subsidy, but I don’t know what happened.
“After his inauguration, he started being careful, slowing down until the first four years. So, at the beginning of his first term, he came out; he wanted to remove the subsidy, but the country reacted and he had to back out,” Akande said.
“So, from the beginning, I was uncomfortable with Buhari having the subsidy in his hand. The subsidy ought to have been removed in his time; by now, Nigerians would have been used to it and it would have been smooth.”
kande made these remarks in a live interview on the newly introduced program, Inside Sources, on Channels Television.
As a former governor and member of the administration, he voiced reservations about the economic decisions undertaken by the Buhari government right from the beginning.
Despite harboring concerns, Akande mentioned that he chose not to publicly criticize the administration, considering his position within it.
Upon raising the matter with Buhari later on, the former president highlighted the challenges confronting the country. He emphasized the necessity for caution and tolerance, expressing the difficulties associated with introducing change in such circumstances.
The former governor speculated that the nature of advice received by Buhari could have played a role in shaping the approach to managing the subsidy issue.