President Bola Tinubu has ruled out a return to petrol subsidies, using the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt to defend his decision to scrap the policy.
Tinubu spoke on Monday at an event organised by the City Boy Movement, a pro-Tinubu group led by his son, Seyi, which is mobilising young voters for his re-election.
Drawing a parallel with the biblical account, the president said the Israelites faced a challenge at the Red Sea before the waters parted to allow them to cross.
He said Moses could not be asked to return to Egypt, arguing that Nigeria must not reverse the removal of petrol subsidies.
“I came and I removed subsidy the first day. I knew Nigeria would go bankrupt. There was nothing left to pay subsidy. I could listen to my political opponents promising a return to subsidy. I remember my scripture studies, both in the Bible and in the Holy Quran. When Moses and Musa left Egypt, they faced a challenge, and the Red Sea parted and gave way. You cannot ask Moses to go back to Egypt.”
Tinubu urged young Nigerians to obtain their permanent voter cards (PVCs) and use them in the 2027 presidential election. “Make sure every young person you know has a PVC and uses it, tell them what we have done and tell them what we will do.
“We will campaign with our ideas, original thoughts and deep thinking to move this country forward. With your energy and support, never will we go back to Egypt.”
Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023, during his inauguration as president.
Opposition candidates have criticised the policy, with some promising to restore the subsidy if elected in 2027.
Last week, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said the party would “do whatever is necessary” to reduce petrol prices, including possibly restoring the subsidy if it wins the 2027 presidential election.
His comments came weeks after Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, said his administration would restore the subsidy after tackling corruption.
Earlier this month, Donald Duke, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, said he would reduce petrol prices to about ₦300 per litre if elected president in 2027 Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, also said in August that he would restore the petrol subsidy if elected, alleging that savings from its removal had been stolen.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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