The lawmaker representing Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dhikirulahi Adedeji Olajide, has lent his voice to the approval of the N500 billion requested by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians following the fuel subsidy.
This was just as the lawmaker said that the palliative will in its own little way strenghten the local economy.
Odidiomo as the two-term lawmaker is called spoke at plenary on Thursday, explaining that, “this is indeed a wonderful and good day for Nigeria and Nigerians.”
Titled a Bill for an Act to Authorize the issuance of the sum of (N500, 000, 000, 000.00) five hundred billion, Naira, only from the 2022 Supplementary Appropriations of (N819, 536, 937, 815.00) only for the provisions of palliatives to Nigerians to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal,” and moved by the leader of the House, Professor Julius Ihonvbere who said Nigerians have been waiting to hear from the parliament since the removal of the subsidy, Odidiomo said that “For the first time, I see an executive that is ready, to listen and also to provide for the needs of the common Nigerian, I hate to use the word common because often too much time, we think these people have no rights, but with this subsidy removal, and provision to reduce their suffering.
“Mr. Speaker, this is indeed a wonderful day and I also want to say, if this 500bn is not enough, we should also be willing to do whatever it takes to support the need of our people. Thank you for yielding support Mr. Speaker,” he added.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who later briefed journalists after plenary added that “I know for a fact that Nigerians are suffering even before the bold steps the president took by removing fuel subsidy on his inauguration day. I knew it was not an easy decision for Mr. President to make but like others, I believe it was in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. Be that as it may, I am relieved that the president came up with the idea of palliative. Some may argue it is too small but it is just to cushion the effect of the economic decision. We will enjoy the gains of the pain in no distant future. I have lived for a considerable number of years and I must reiterate the president has taken the right decision. We just need to exercise patience for the gains to start manifesting.
“This N500 billion palliative will also strengthen the local economy and prevent capital flight that is usually associated with projects of that high volume of fund. So, to some extent, it is a win-win for everyone.
“Though we will perform our oversight function as legislators, I want to urge the federal government to caution those to be in charge of disbursement so that it can reach those it is meant to serve,” he added.
