Atiku, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said he would restore subsidy on fuel, adding that the funds freed for use as a result of subsidy withdrawal could not be traced.
The Presidency also knocked Atiku, describing his position as an about-turn on the issue out of desperation for power.
Tinubu described the position as a demonstration of “serious ignorance” about governance and the economy.
The President spoke while receiving the re-elected Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, at the State House, Abuja.
He said the abolition of the subsidy regime had strengthened the finances of states and enabled them to meet their obligations.
“I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and economy.
“Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to even talk of pensioners, salary of workers. In your state, I know a man that I raised… who’s nicknamed ‘half salary’.
“They come to the federal, cap in hand, unable to do anything. The salaries you pay feed families. They (workers) are at the local governments; they are in the states. Where is the concentration of population? It is in the states,” Tinubu said.
The President’s remarks came against the backdrop of Atiku’s declaration that he would reverse the removal of fuel subsidy if elected President, reopening debate over one of the most consequential economic decisions of the Tinubu administration.
At his inauguration on May 29, 2023, Tinubu boldly and courageously declared: “Fuel subsidy is gone.”
Tinubu told Adeleke that increased resources available to states should translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, particularly through payment of salaries and investment in infrastructure and social services.
According to him, state governments bear substantial responsibility for the welfare of Nigerians because much of the population lives within communities where state and local governments are responsible for providing essential services.
“Take out the president, regard every other person as common men; they have families to feed.
“The infrastructure you embark upon, the road network, housing, school rehabilitation, resuscitation of healthcare, training of teachers, training of health workers to protect our vulnerable families – they’re part of your responsibilities,” he said.
