Babatunji Wusu –
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has shifted the blame for the removal of the fuel subsidy to the Nigerian public, asserting that President Bola Tinubu’s actions were merely in line with existing legal frameworks.
Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, argued that President Tinubu’s decision was a direct implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which was passed by the National Assembly. According to Morka, the PIA effectively eliminated the subsidy system, a move that was finalized before Tinubu took office.
Speaking on Arise TV, Morka emphasized that the President’s actions were not politically motivated but rather a compliance with the law. “What has transpired is not about politics or any presidential decree. It’s about adhering to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which removed the subsidy system that was in place during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. With the enactment of the PIB, subsidies were abolished, making it legally impossible for the current government to continue paying them,” he explained.
Morka pointed out that Nigerians missed the opportunity to influence their representatives during the legislative process. He argued that the public’s failure to voice opposition against the PIA during its passage contributed to the current situation.
He also noted that while the subsidy system was unsustainable, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) took steps to manage the transition and mitigate potential economic disruption. “NNPC, now operating as a quasi-public-private entity, continued to manage some aspects of the subsidy to prevent a complete economic shutdown. However, the subsidy system had become wholly unsustainable,” Morka stated.
Morka acknowledged that the removal of the subsidy has impacted Nigerians accustomed to lower fuel prices compared to international standards. “We understand that Nigerians have grown reliant on the subsidy, but the reality is that it was no longer feasible. The system had to be dismantled as dictated by law. Nigerians had the opportunity to voice their concerns to their National Assembly representatives during public hearings, but many did not.”
In summary, Morka insisted that President Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy was a legal necessity rather than a personal decision, urging Nigerians to recognize the broader implications of the legislative changes.
