Subsidy Policy War: Atiku's Ally Blasts Tinubu's Economic Stance

Barrister Ken Imansuagbon, a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Edo State governorship aspirant, has unequivocally stated that President Bola Tinubu’s policy of petrol subsidy removal has failed to uplift the lives of Nigerians. Imansuagbon, widely known as the “Rice Man,” has publicly endorsed the stance of the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has pledged to reinstate the subsidy if he assumes office in 2027.

According to Imansuagbon, Atiku’s proposal represents a superior alternative that could deliver immediate relief to millions of Nigerians currently struggling with escalating inflation, a rising cost of living, and widespread economic hardship. In a robust statement issued from Benin City on Saturday, he dismissed the criticism directed at Atiku’s position by the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as “misplaced and politically motivated.” He firmly contended that the fuel subsidy removal, initiated by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, has only exacerbated the impoverishment of Nigerians, intensified inflation, and imposed unprecedented suffering on families across the nation.

Imansuagbon elaborated on the detrimental effects of the policy, stating, “The removal of the fuel subsidy has not translated into a better life for Nigerians. Instead, it has pauperized millions of citizens, destroyed the purchasing power of workers, and increased the cost of transportation, food, healthcare, and education, while businesses continue to shut down under the weight of unbearable operating costs.” The ADC stalwart maintained that Atiku’s commitment to restoring the subsidy should not be perceived as inconsistency but rather as a demonstration of courageous leadership, willing to re-evaluate policies that have evidently failed to achieve their intended objectives. He emphasized that Atiku should not face attacks simply for being prepared to reconsider a previous position, viewing it as the hallmark of a compassionate and people-oriented leader.

Furthermore, Imansuagbon questioned the Federal Government’s claims of trillions of naira saved from the subsidy removal, asserting that Nigerians have witnessed scant evidence of the prudent deployment of these funds. He demanded transparent answers regarding the whereabouts of these reported savings, pointing to persistent national challenges such as collapsing infrastructure, worsening insecurity, failing hospitals, underfunded schools, mass unemployment, and deepening poverty. He argued that if such enormous resources had truly been invested in the welfare of the populace, the ordinary Nigerian would have felt a tangible impact by now.

He insisted that the central focus of any debate should not revolve around whether the subsidy should remain or be removed, but rather on whether the policy has genuinely enhanced the quality of life for ordinary citizens. Imansuagbon asserted, “The important question is simple: Has subsidy removal made life better for Nigerians? The answer is clearly no. The resources released were expected to improve transportation, healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and social protection programmes, but Nigerians have only experienced more suffering and economic despair.”

The former governorship aspirant conveyed his strong conviction that Atiku Abubakar possesses the requisite experience, competence, and economic acumen to extricate Nigeria from what he termed the “economic quagmire” engineered by the APC-led Federal Government. He proclaimed that Atiku remains the sole presidential aspirant with the courage, capacity, and a clear economic blueprint to steer Nigeria towards recovery. Imansuagbon expressed optimism that the hardships inflicted upon Nigerians under President Tinubu’s administration could begin to alleviate within Atiku’s initial 100 days in office, through the implementation of people-centered economic reforms, which would include the restoration of the subsidy where deemed necessary to cushion citizens' suffering.

He lauded the former Vice President for his enduring dedication to humanity and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerians. Imansuagbon urged citizens to transcend partisan leanings and support policies that are genuinely capable of instilling hope across the country, stressing that Nigeria’s economic recovery must take precedence over political considerations. He concluded by emphasizing that any policy failing to improve the living conditions of the populace merits a review in the broader national interest.