Governors' Forum Chairman Recalls Anxiety Over Subsidy Removal

Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum and governor of Kwara State, revealed his concerns regarding potential riots following President Bola Tinubu's removal of fuel subsidies. During a meeting with Tinubu, Abdulrazaq noted that he deployed security agencies across states and convened an emergency security council meeting in anticipation of widespread unrest.

He communicated with fellow governors, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, to discuss the implications of the subsidy removal. Despite the anxiety and preparations for serious riots, Abdulrazaq reported that no protests occurred, attributing the calm to the public's shock at the government's bold fiscal policy.

He also highlighted the financial challenges faced by states, with previous allocations barely sufficient for infrastructure needs. Abdulrazaq urged Tinubu to consider raising the minimum wage to N100,000, emphasizing the need for collaboration among governors to address economic issues.