Senator Ayo Arise, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, stating that it was long overdue. Arise, who served as a senator from Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, commended Tinubu for taking the right step to address the issue.
Speaking to reporters in Ado Ekiti after attending the funeral service for the late former deputy governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Arise praised Tinubu and emphasized the positive impact of removing fuel subsidy. He highlighted that the scarcity of fuel quickly ended and the product became readily available once prices were allowed to rise. Arise acknowledged that there may never be a perfect time for such a decision, but believed that negotiation and action were necessary to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian masses.
Regarding the fraudulent practices surrounding fuel subsidy, Arise emphasized that the country was being shortchanged and that a substantial amount of money allocated to subsidy payments could be better utilized for infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and agriculture. He expressed his support for the removal of petrol subsidy and predicted that in a few months, Nigerians would appreciate the positive outcomes of the president’s decision.
Arise encouraged Nigerians to endure the short-term inconvenience caused by the fuel price increase, emphasizing that every good thing requires some sacrifice. He urged the population to understand that the previous artificially low fuel prices were not sustainable, and diverting the subsidy funds towards essential sectors would lead to overall improvement in the country.
When asked about President Tinubu’s understanding of the situation, Arise highlighted Tinubu’s background as an accountant and his connection to the masses. He believed that Tinubu comprehended the impact of the subsidy on the population and stressed that removing it was the best solution for the majority of Nigerians. Arise called on the masses to support the president’s decision, assuring them that positive changes would soon be visible in the country.