Femi Adesina, spokesperson to former President Muhammadu Buhari, said his principal did not remove the petrol subsidy because he cared about its implications on “ordinary” Nigerians.

In a tribute to commemorate Buhari’s 82nd birthday on Tuesday, Adesina said the decisions of the former president were based on his love for “poor and underprivileged” Nigerians.

Adesina mentioned that the Buhari-led administration was aware that the country was spending huge resources on the petrol subsidy.

The former presidential spokesperson described Buhari as “ore mekunu,” a Yoruba phrase that means friend of the poor.

Adesina recalled that during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, Buhari instructed Zainab Ahmed, the former Minister of Finance, to ensure the timely payment of workers’ salaries and pensions.

He added that Buhari understood the challenges workers faced during the pandemic and was determined to avoid the additional burden of unpaid salaries.

“The Big Elephant in the room. Removal of fuel subsidy. Did you think the Government didn’t know that the money guzzling monster had to be slain? It knew,” Adesina wrote.

“But who ensured that subsidies remained as long as they did? Buhari. And why? The people, the ordinary people. His argument was always simple:

“When oil sold for at least 100 dollars per barrel in the international market, rising even to as high as 140 dollars per barrel, what did the ordinary people gain? Nothing! So why should they be the ones to bear the brunt when oil prices fall?”

“By the time the administration ended, all, including the three main presidential candidates, were resolved that oil subsidies had to be removed.

“It was not unlikely that President Buhari shared the same conviction. But something that would throw society into a tailspin? He didn’t want to do it—for the sake of the ordinary people.

“Ordinary people gravitate towards Buhari, like bees to the honeycomb. That was why he always had a basket of millions of waiting votes, even before the first ballot was cast.

“He clobbered the ruling People’s Democratic Party in 2015, and won with even larger votes in 2019, despite all attempts to denigrate and demarket him. When you love the ordinary people, they love you in return, and stand with you through thick and thin.

“Now almost two years into retirement, get to Buhari’s house today. And you see the people milling around, just wanting to get a glimpse of the man.

“As he turns 82 on December 17, 2024, I salute the Ore Mekunu, a friend of the poor, who still draws the people like a magnet, even in retirement.”

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N899.50 per litre, offering relief to Nigerians as the holiday season draws near.

This follows a previous price cut to N970 per litre on November 24. The latest reduction is aimed at alleviating transportation costs during the festive period, when travel expenses typically rise for many Nigerians.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group.

More to come…

The Oyo State Government has announced the arrest of the organisers of a children’s party in Ibadan that led to the death of approximately 30 children.

The tragic stampede occurred at a children’s Christmas party in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The incident took place on Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan.

It is understood that the party was organized by “Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi,” the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with “Agidigbo 88.7 FM,” Ibadan, owned by “Oriyomi Hamzat.”

Confirming the development, Governor Seyi Makinde stated that the main organisers have been taken into custody. He also revealed in a statement that the government has initiated a thorough investigation into the matter.

The statement said: “Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries.

“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.

“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.

“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.

“I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident.”

“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen,” Makinde added.