Paul Alaje, an economist, has stated that when confronted with the challenges associated with fuel subsidy removal, President Tinubu expressed intentions to provide financial relief directly to Nigerians. However, he later reversed the decision, citing feedback from the people.
In an interview with AIT, Alaje stated that Tinubu, seemingly under pressure, directed the funds to the 36 states with the intention that they use it for purchasing essential items like rice and distributing them to the people, as reported by the media.
In Alaje’s words:
“When Tinubu wanted to give money to Nigerians we said it is not right and he reversed it.
He said he would no longer share the money that he got feedback from the people, I was shocked.
But unfortunately the FAAC said the money should be given to the states and I think Tinubu was under pressure and he gave the money to the states to buy rice from what we saw in the media. Are Nigerians still eating those rice?”.
Watch the video of the interview from 1:59:52
https://www.youtube.com/live/rsmfizwJu5g?si=TWLAJqSjww4jH8PU