Ayo Arise Critiques Atiku's Fuel Subsidy Proposal

Ayo Arise, a former senator representing the Ekiti North Senatorial District and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticized Atiku Abubakar's proposal to reinstate the fuel subsidy regime if elected president in 2027. During an interview on Television Continental (TVC News) on Wednesday, Arise described the proposal as economically retrogressive, asserting that the removal of the subsidy, despite initial hardships, has strengthened the financial capacity of both federal and state governments.

He noted that the increased resources have allowed governments to meet critical obligations, such as regular salary payments, without relying on loans. Arise argued that the broader economic benefits of timely salary payments should not be overlooked, as they enable workers to meet household needs and stimulate economic activities.

He maintained that a significant portion of the additional resources available to governments resulted from subsidy removal, which could be redirected to vital sectors like education and infrastructure.