Nigerian Youths For Atiku

The Subsidy Saga: A Tale of Two Leaders 

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In a scathing critique, Atiku Abubakar, the esteemed former Vice President of Nigeria, lambasted the Bola Tinubu administration for its ham-fisted approach to subsidy removal. Atiku's measured tone belied the depth of his frustration, as he recounted the meticulous process his administration employed to phase out subsidies, engaging labour unions and stakeholders every step of the way.

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"The removal of subsidy is not a novel concept," Atiku averred, "but the manner in which it is executed is where the devil lies." His administration's phased approach, which entailed a series of consultations with stakeholders, including labour unions, exemplified a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved.

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In stark contrast, Tinubu's precipitate announcement of subsidy removal during his acceptance speech in 2023, mere seconds into his swearing-in, reeked of hubris and a woeful lack of foresight. This knee-jerk reaction, devoid of any meaningful consultation or consideration for the welfare of the citizenry, has plunged the nation into economic turmoil.

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One cannot help but marvel at Atiku's sagacity in implementing subsidy removal, a feat he accomplished with aplomb and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. His administration's provision of thousands of buses to facilitate transportation, a tangible manifestation of their commitment to the welfare of the people, stands in marked contrast to Tinubu's callous disregard for the plight of the common man.

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Tinubu's errors of judgement are manifold. By announcing subsidy removal without a concomitant plan to mitigate its effects, he has unleashed untold hardship upon the populace. The removal of subsidy on petroleum products, coupled with the increase in taxes and electricity tariffs, has created a perfect storm that threatens to engulf the economy.

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Atiku's systematic process, which entailed a gradual phase-out of subsidies, accompanied by meaningful consultations with stakeholders, would have been a more efficacious approach. This measured strategy would have allowed for a more equitable distribution of the burden, thereby minimizing the adverse impact on the most vulnerable segments of society.

Atiku's approach to subsidy removal exemplifies a leader who is guided by a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to the welfare of the people demonstrating a leadership philosophy that prioritizes the needs of the people, to govern with wisdom and foresight, and to eschew the kind of ham-fisted policies that have come to characterize the Tinubu administration. This is Atiku Abubakar, Our Political Party philosophy.