Enugu Stakeholders Urge President Tinubu’s Administration to Provide Urgent Palliatives Amid Fuel Subsidy Removal

A cross-section of stakeholders in Enugu State has called on President Bola Tinubu-led administration to promptly provide palliatives for Nigerians to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

In their reactions to President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast, some residents expressed their support for the subsidy removal but emphasized that more should be done to alleviate the sufferings of the people resulting from the policy.

Mr. Tony Odukwe, a development expert, analyzed the president’s speech, appreciating his plans but stressed the need for immediate action. He urged President Tinubu to utilize the N1 trillion saved from the subsidy removal to provide necessary palliatives such as the provision of buses, and ensure that farmer’s grants reach genuine farmers to promote wealth creation and job opportunities.

Mr. Emma Ejim and Comrade Cyprian Okeke also urged the administration to swiftly implement palliative measures and monitor the distribution to prevent diversions, as people have been facing hardship since the removal of the fuel subsidy.

On the other hand, Journalist Mr. Kenneth Oforma expressed concern that the speech lacked a timeline for most palliative measures, while Mr. Bethel Okereke, Marketing Manager of Sun Newspaper, described the speech as vague and falling short of expectations in terms of palliatives.

Despite the challenges, an Enugu-based businesswoman, Mrs. Gladys Agueze, called for patience from Nigerians and requested them to give the present administrations at the state and federal levels the benefit of the doubt as they navigate through the situation.