Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday defended the Bola Tinubu administration, saying the President has no power to dictate how states and local governments should spend the additional revenue they now receive following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Wike’ statement was in response to comments by the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on the management of the gains from subsidy removal.
Speaking at a media parley held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike said, “Rather than questioning the federal government, Obi should be asking how the additional revenue accruing to the sub-nationals is being utilised.”
According to him, “Now, the government has said the gains have been shared among sub-nationals. Tinubu has no power to say, States, this is what you should do with the funds that you’ve brought in from the fuel subsidy.”
“He has no power to tell local governments what to do with their money. All tiers of government are independent.”
Wike added that the increased allocations had given states greater financial capacity, noting that governments that previously struggled to pay salaries and pensions were now better positioned to execute projects.
“Today states are saying, unlike before, we can’t pay salaries or pensions, and there are strikes all over the place. Now there are no strikes; there are advantages. Now, I have money to carry out projects,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor also praised Tinubu for taking the decision to remove the subsidy, describing it as a bold step that previous presidents had been unwilling to take.
“Tinubu deserves kudos for taking the bold decision no president took. Now, it’s time for states to account for the funds they have gotten,” Wike said.
The subsidy debate has resurfaced ahead of the 2027 general elections, with major opposition figures taking different positions on the policy.
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, said in an August 25 post on X that he remained committed to restoring the subsidy if elected.
