Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has praised President Bola Tinubu for issuing a directive to halt the implementation of an electricity tariff increase.
Speaking with reporters in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye lauded the President’s decision, emphasizing its reflection of sensitivity to the challenges faced by the masses.
The directive, revealed by Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu on November 8, conveyed President Tinubu’s insistence on suspending the planned hike in electricity tariff. The President further advocated for the continuation of subsidies on power consumption nationwide.
As a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Oyintiloye asserted that removing electricity subsidies, particularly in the aftermath of fuel subsidy removal, would have been counterproductive. He commended President Tinubu’s decision, highlighting it as evidence of the President’s consistent engagement with the sentiments and aspirations of Nigerians.
Referring to a quarterly report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Oyintiloye underscored that the Federal Government’s subsidy in the power sector had surged to N135.2 billion in the second quarter of 2023, a substantial increase from the N36 billion recorded in the first quarter.
He emphasized that this ongoing subsidy demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting the masses amid economic challenges.
Oyintiloye concluded by expressing gratitude for the President’s decision, emphasizing that it aligns with the economic realities faced by Nigerians, including exchange rate fluctuations and rising inflation.
He commended President Tinubu for prioritizing policies that resonate with the welfare of the populace and preventing an additional burden on citizens in the form of an electricity tariff hike.
