Governor of Enugu , Dr Peter Mbah, has thrown his weight on President Bola Tinubu ‘s fuel subsidy removal policy, warning that reversing the policy would undermine economic gains, discourage investors and worsen poverty in the country.
The governor urged Nigerians to focus on turning the benefits of subsidy removal into jobs, wealth and improved living standards.
describing the debate over reintroducing fuel subsidy as unnecessary.
Participants at the town hall meeting.
He spoke on Wednesday at the Meet the Candidates town hall meeting, tagged “Enugu Kwenu”, organised by Afia TV at the International Conference Centre,ICC, Enugu, where he defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and declared that his administration had delivered good governance across sectors in Enugu State.
Fielding question on his position on subsidy removal.policy, Governor Mbah said,
“If you reintroduce fuel subsidy today, we will lose ten times whatever we are currently trying to gain in terms of the removal of subsidy. The poverty rate that you are going to experience will be very high because the naira would be automatically devalued.
Governor Mbah fielding questions from Newsmen, backing removal of fuel subsidy.
“We cannot go back to subsidy. And I do not think it is in the interest of the country for us to even debate that.”
He stressed that the continued discussion about reversing the policy could send the wrong signal to prospective investors and discourage investments in the country’s economy.
The Governor argued that Nigeria should instead concentrate on attracting more private capital and ensuring that the benefits of economic reforms translate into employment, wealth creation and improved welfare for citizens.
He noted that the country had witnessed increased investment inflows beyond portfolio investments.
On the social impact of subsidy removal, Mbah said the previous arrangement disproportionately benefited wealthy Nigerians, while the current approach offered opportunities for the government to direct assistance towards vulnerable citizens.
He cited cash transfers and a programme targeting 1,000 beneficiaries per ward nationwide with seed capital to support productivity as examples of efforts to cushion the impact of economic reforms.
Participants at the town hall meeting.
On his administration’s performances, the governor said his government had remained committed to its campaign promises, pointing to investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, transportation and aviation as evidence of progress.
He urged residents to compare the state before his inauguration with its present development trajectory, listing some of his projects which included, the rehabilitation of Hotel Presidential, the International Conference Centre, Enugu Air, transport terminals, 268 Smart Green Schools and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres.
He also highlighted the International Hospital, compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and the development of Nigergas, describing them as part of the transformation taking place in the state.
The governor said his administration’s ambitions extended beyond the projects already delivered, outlining plans for expanded electricity generation, improved road infrastructure, modern rail transportation and increased international air connectivity.
On alternative power generation Governor Mbah announced plans to establish a coal energy plant at Amansi- Odo, capable of generating 660 megawatts of electricity, providing round-the-clock power and supplying electricity to residents at an affordable rate, leveraging the state’s coal resources.
On transportation, he projected a future in which residents would enjoy better mobility through CNG buses, a proposed monorail system and direct air connections to destinations in the United Kingdom, the United States and other parts of the world.
On education, he said the government was working towards a system that would equip children with evolving 21st-century skills and prepare them to compete in the global economy, through the Smart Green schools established in the 260 political wards in the state.
He also spoke on his administration’s commitment in provision of healthcare services to the people at the grassroot through the construction of 260 Type 2 Primary Health Care Centers in 260 political wards in the state
He spoke on compensation to property owners at the Enugu bus terminals, assuring that those who owned houses that were demolished will be compensated.
On the N150 million fee for campaign billboards, governor Mbah said it iis legal and it is a general law for all political parties in the state.
On his recent cancellation of daily tickets for Keke drivers, the governor explained that it’s only the fees N300 going to the state government that was cancelled. He said Kele drivers will still be paying their union fees and local government fees.
On the political scene, the governor warned against political violence, saying that he has a responsibility to seeing that there is unity in the state and people are living in peace
Speaking on why he wants to be re-elected, the governor urged the electorate to sustain the state’s development trajectory by supporting his re-election, arguing that the gains of his first term should be consolidated rather than reversed.
He urged the people to imagine an Enugu where the children are prepared for the future, all roads paved people ride on CNG buses and keep faith on the journey to greatness.
“If these imaginations capture our fancy, then we have a duty to fight for it. We do have a duty to continue to make sure that the bar does not come down and that the standard we have set in Enugu is sustained,” he said.
