Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has described Buhari as a friend of the masses, a characteristic that shaped many of his policies and decisions during his time in office.
Adesina highlighted that this deep concern for the well-being of ordinary Nigerians influenced Buhari’s choice to maintain fuel subsidies throughout his presidency.
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In a tribute marking Buhari’s 82nd birthday on Tuesday, Adesina referred to him as ‘Ore Mekunu,’ a Yoruba term meaning “a friend of the poor,” and noted that Buhari continues to attract the admiration of the people even in retirement.
Reflecting on the numerous meetings the former president held with his cabinet and other government officials, Adesina emphasized that Buhari consistently made decisions aimed at not further burdening the masses, despite knowing that some corrupt leaders were benefiting from the system.
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“The Big Elephant in the room (was the) removal of fuel subsidy. Did you think the Government didn’t know that the money guzzling monster had to be slain? It knew.
“But who ensured that subsidies remained as long as it did? Buhari. And why? The people, the ordinary people. His argument was always simple.
“When oil sold for at least $100 per barrel in the international market, rising even to as high as $140 per barrel, what did the ordinary people gain? Nothing! So why should they be the ones to bear the brunt when oil prices fall?”, Adesina stated.
The former presidential aide said even though Buhari may share the conviction to remove subsidies at the end of his administration like the presidential candidate then, “he didn’t want to do something that would throw society into a tailspin for the sake of the ordinary people”.
Nearly two years into retirement, Adesina noted that people still gather around him due to his generosity and kindness toward the poor.
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