By Atlantic Reports

Former Minister of Transportation and Rivers State governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of fuel subsidy removal, saying the policy required better preparation and measures to protect Nigerians from its economic consequences.

Speaking on Saturday at a town hall meeting in Calabar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain argued that the government should have consulted economists, political scientists and other stakeholders before implementing the decision.

Amaechi said courage in policymaking must be accompanied by careful planning and consideration of how decisions affect citizens.

Using an analogy involving a moving train, he argued that bold action could expose people to avoidable risks when adequate preparations were absent.

Calls for Measures to Ease Living Costs

Amaechi linked subsidy removal to increased transportation costs and other essential expenses, saying households needed stronger support to cope with the pressure.

He questioned whether the administration had given sufficient consideration to Nigerians’ welfare and called for measures to ease the rising cost of living.

His criticism centred on the preparation and implementation of the policy, particularly the adequacy of arrangements to cushion its effects.

Amaechi also suggested that political considerations connected to the outcome of the 2023 presidential election might have influenced the administration’s approach. That suggestion represents his political assessment; the account provided did not establish evidence of such a motive.

Offers to Debate Economic Team

The former minister expressed readiness to debate members of the administration’s economic team on subsidy removal and possible responses to its consequences.

He said the opposition would challenge the ruling party through democratic and constitutional processes ahead of the next election.

“The opposition intends to pursue the electoral process without resorting to post-election litigation, and we are confident in our approach,” he said.

The account of the meeting did not include a response from the presidency or the administration’s economic team to his criticisms.

Amaechi’s remarks place household welfare at the centre of his argument, with emphasis on whether government support adequately addresses the costs Nigerians face following the policy.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.