Subsidy Removal: Group Hails Akpabio, Abass Over Speedy Approval Of N500bn Palliative Fund

The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance and Equity in Nigeria, has commended the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for yielding to the request of President Bola Tinubu to amend the 2022 supplementary budget.

The group said the approval of funds for post-fuel subsidy regime palliative was a magnanimous step to address the desperate needs of the nation.

Recall that both the Senate and House of Representatives under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas respectively, had separately approved the request to extract N500bn from the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act to provide palliatives to 12 million households aimed at cushioning the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, convener of the Coalition, Adamu Kabiru Mutazu, said the 10th National Assembly has again demonstrated a penchant for the interest of Nigerians.

Mutazu said desperate times demand drastic action from all and the leadership of the 10th NASS has already taken some vital steps to douse the hardship in the nation.

Describing Rt. Hon Abbas as an archetypal leader on a mission, the group said the Speaker’s midas touch was making a difference in governance.

According to Mutazu, the Speaker has managed the affairs of the House with transparency, equity, and neutrality towards all members.

The group, therefore, rubbished reports that N70bn has been earmarked for lawmakers from the N500bn palliative fund.

Mutazu said it was unpatriotic for Nigerians to disparage lawmakers over such bogus claim, especially knowing the funds were not meant for their upkeep.

“The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance and Equity in Nigeria salutes both chambers of the National Assembly; the Senate, and the House of Representatives, for passing the 2022 supplementary budget. This action has further proven that If everyone is moving forward together, then success will take care of itself,” Mutazu said.

“We thank you all for prioritizing the growth of our nation at large, irrespective of your political differences, and personal diversities. Knowing that Nigeria is blessed with having such visionary leaders, taking a unanimous decision that further solidifies the pillar of progress of this country, is a soothing balm of relief to every citizen, as this budget is understood to assuage the heavy financial burden on our dear nation.

“We also wish to extend our profound appreciation to the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a perfect choice of SP Akpabio for the position of Senate President, and his support for the seamless emergence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. These are trailblazers that have conquered different feats in their respective calls in serving the nation.

“The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance and Equity in Nigeria is convinced beyond every doubt that Hon Tajudeen Abass is a passionate leader who moves toward things not yet seen. He leads others to new ideas; one who knows how to build on the past and builds for the future,” Matazu stated.