Jigawa residents back Atiku on subsidy, say removal impoverished Nigerians

Residents in Nigeria's Jigawa State are backing opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar's pledge to reinstate fuel subsidies, arguing that their removal has severely impoverished ordinary citizens. The issue has become a dominant topic of discussion following Abubakar's recent media appearance, where he stated, "I will restore fuel subsidy because the current removal has failed the masses. You cannot punish the poor in the name of reform."

“

I will restore fuel subsidy because the current removal has failed the masses. You cannot punish the poor in the name of reform.

President Bola Tinubu swiftly criticized Abubakar's proposal, calling it "a serious display of ignorance about governance and economics." However, this reaction has angered many Nigerians in Jigawa, who feel it demonstrates a disconnect between the government and the hardships faced by the populace. Since the subsidy was removed, residents report that life has become unbearable, with transportation, food, and general living costs spiraling beyond reach.

Malam Musa, a 52-year-old commercial driver, expressed the sentiment of many, stating, "Before subsidy removal, we were managing. Now we are suffering. Atiku has spoken the truth that every poor man feels." He noted that fuel prices have jumped from 195 naira to over 1,300 naira, making survival difficult.

“

I saw one of my opponents say he will bring back the fuel subsidy. That is a serious display of ignorance about governance and economics.

Harira Danladi, a foodstuff seller in Dutse Central Market, shared similar concerns, reporting that her business is collapsing due to a lack of customers. "They told us subsidy removal will bring development, but we only see suffering," she said, expressing full support for Abubakar's plan to bring back the subsidy.

“

Before subsidy removal, we were managing. Now we are suffering. Atiku has spoken the truth that every poor man feels. Fuel was N195, now it is over N1,300. How can we survive?

Youth leader Usman Shehu added that Abubakar's promise indicates a leader who understands the economic struggles of the poor, emphasizing fuel's critical role in Nigeria's economy. Malam Ibrahim Maibargo, a civil servant, felt Tinubu's defense of the subsidy removal exposed an "anti-people nature" of the administration, contrasting the president's "no going back" stance with the masses' inability to move forward amidst hardship.

“

They told us subsidy removal will bring development, but we only see suffering. The masses are paying the price while the big men enjoy. I support Atiku 100 percent to bring it back.