Pat Utomi Calls for Reintroduction of Fuel Subsidy, Blames Political Class for National Hardship

A renowned professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has called for the reinstatement of subsidies on petroleum products, following the severe fuel scarcity triggered by President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies.

Since the removal of the subsidy, the price of petrol has more than tripled in some states, exacerbating the cost of food and transportation across the country.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Utomi urged the government to focus subsidies on essential services that depend heavily on fuel.

He said, “The first thing to do is recognize the essential things Nigerians need fuel for. I will subsidise those things. There will be a subsidy. The Americans subsidise agriculture; it’s just about where you direct it.”

Utomi also criticized the political elite for the suffering endured by Nigerians, pointing to poor decision-making and governance.

“Nigeria’s political class is responsible for the misery we are facing today. They have failed this country repeatedly,” he stated. “Look at the National Assembly and the choices we’ve made. The political class must publicly acknowledge their role in this hardship.”

He added that in other regions like Southeast Asia, leaders would be held accountable for such widespread suffering caused by political negligence.