Presidential Candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Dr Esther Okereke, has said that the removal of petrol subsidy is a deed that has already been done.
According to her, her administration will not re-introduce the fuel subsidy if elected.
Okereke made the statement when she featured on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) personality interview series on Sunday in Abuja.
She said that her administration, would instead ensure that savings from its removal directly benefit all Nigerians rather than a privileged few.
The female candidate said that while the removal of the petrol subsidy has already taken effect on Nigerians, the critical challenge lies in transparency and the proper channelling of the accrued savings.
Okereke said that her focus would be on making the economic gains felt by all Nigerians including those at the grassroots.
“ The deed has been done. Let’s tell ourselves the truth. My problem is where is this subsidy money going to? That’s where the corruption comes in.
“It is not just about the subsidy itself, but ensuring that the proceeds serve all Nigerians.
“Focus on letting the people get the money, enjoy that subsidy removal. Let it favour all. Let it serve all, not just one-sided, not just the few that is benefiting from it. It should benefit all,’’ she said.
Asked if what she would meet in reality did not meet her expectations, Okereke said that would not be an excuse, saying life itself survives on challenges.
“When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade with it. You don’t dwell on spilled milk; you work with what you have and make a change,’’ she said.
Okereke who expressed concern over the nation’s rising debt profile, said that Nigeria has all it takes to be the true giant of Africa, not just living in past glory, but in current reality.
She emphasised the need for the country to harness her available resources, including the funds from subsidy removal to impact on the people and for development, rather than borrowing.
“I see other countries doing so much. I said we have all it takes for us to be the giant of Africa that we are, not in past glory, but in reality, in presence. We have all it takes.
“We have removed subsidy, yes, do something with it. Let’s make sure it gets to the grassroots. Let’s make sure it gets to everyone. It is our oil, so it is your money. You should receive it.
“Put it to use. I saw Uganda doing things. I saw Kenya doing things. I saw Ghana doing things. I saw Malawi doing things, why can’t Nigeria do something,’’ she asked.
Okeke reaffirmed her commitment to fiscal responsibility, block revenue leakages, and redirect public funds into sustainable development projects that improve infrastructure, social welfare, and economic opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.
