‘It Takes Courage to Remove Fuel Subsidy’ —  Otti Praises Tinubu, Dismisses Hardship

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has praised President Bola Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy and floating the naira, describing the moves as courageous reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s economy despite short-term pains.

Otti made the remarks on Tuesday while hosting First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu in Abia State during her visit to promote the historic Akwete weaving heritage in Ukwa East Local Government Area.

The governor urged the First Lady to convey his appreciation to the President, noting that the reforms had freed up significant funds for federal, state, and local governments to invest in infrastructure, pay salaries, and empower citizens.

“It takes a man with courage to do what he did in 2023, remove petroleum subsidy, and follow with floating the naira,” Otti said.

He acknowledged that the policies have triggered immediate economic hardship but insisted such outcomes were inevitable with far-reaching reforms.

According to him, the current challenges should be seen as consequences of past unsustainable practices rather than the reforms themselves.

“Every courageous decision has consequences. If you remove subsidy and float the naira, it will take its toll, but over time the economy will correct,” he added.

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