Fuel Subsidy Removal: Politicians Must Commit Class Suicide — Rhodes-Vivour

Labour Party governorship in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has stated that politicians must commit class suicide in the wake of the subsidy removal announcement.

Since President Bola Tinubu's announcement on Monday, Nigerians have had to deal with soaring petrol prices amid queues resurfacing across the nation.

In his reaction to the development, GRV stated that spending more than N2 trillion on subsidy payments is a luxury the country can no longer afford.

According to him, if citizens must make sacrifices then politicians have to commit class suicide.

“Clearly, this is unsustainable. However, if the people must make sacrifices, the politicians must commit class suicide.

“Since the state can’t afford to subsidize petrol for its citizens, why should it shoulder the excesses, vanity, and impunity of the political elite and their cronies?

“To cushion the impact of petrol subsidy removal on working-class Nigerians, the Federal government must be transparent on which project it intends to fund with the savings and how the said projects will positively impact the lives of many Nigerians.

“Consequently, the National Assembly and civil society organizations must hold the executive accountable for this expenditure.

“Additionally, the Federal government may consider import waivers and tax exemptions that would make alternative energy, like solar, more affordable for citizens.

“In Lagos state, Alausa must embark on an Integrated Mass Transportation project that not only eases commuting but reduces the average cost of transportation.

“After food, the average Lagosian spends more on transportation than any other household expenditure.

“According to a recent report by the NBS, commuters’ average fare for bus journeys within cities tripled by 230.5% in the last three years.

“Hence, with the removal of the petrol subsidy, Lagosians are likely to spend far more on food and transportation, further weakening their purchasing power.

“Consequently, the state’s economy will suffer once consumer spending shrinks significantly in Lagos.

“Therefore the government must immediately pursue a transportation policy that raises workers’ productivity, reduces costs, and stimulates the economy", he said.