Prominent musician and activist Seun Kuti has expressed vehement disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s choice to eliminate the fuel subsidy, describing it as a ‘cruel decision’ that jeopardizes the well-being of the Nigerian populace.
Kuti made a critical comparison between the extravagant expenditures of government officials on luxury items and the insufficient funding allocated to education and infrastructure. To emphasize his argument, he pointed out the $150 million expenditure on a private jet for the president, thereby questioning the government’s priorities. He inquired, “Who contributed to the $150 million jet for Tinubu? Who were they soliciting for donations?” “That $150 million could construct how many schools? Or how long could it sustain a primary school? With that amount, ten well-established primary schools could be operated for at least 20 years. Ten quality primary schools could be built and maintained, educating ten generations of African children,” he further elaborated.
He further condemned the government’s dependence on public-private partnerships for delivering essential services to the populace, contending that such initiatives are only considered when community investment is involved. “In matters concerning their lavish expenditures and the construction of houses worth billions of naira, they do not request public contributions. However, when it comes to providing for the citizens, that is when they seek a public-private partnership. This is absurd!” he expressed, visibly agitated. Kuti criticized the government, stating, “The president cannot assert that he has no control over the petrol situation. He holds the position of both president and minister of petrol. They claim to make difficult decisions, yet no significant decision has been made in this instance. President Tinubu’s actions regarding the subsidy and the floating of the dollar are far from being tough decisions.”