Abia State Governor Alex Otti has commended President Bola Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy and floating the naira, describing the policies as bold decisions that required courage despite their short-term economic impact.
Otti made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving First Lady Oluremi Tinubu during her visit to Abia State to promote the historic Akwete weaving heritage in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
The governor urged the First Lady to convey his appreciation to the President for implementing what he called difficult but necessary reforms.
“Thank him for his courage. Thank him for his sacrifices. It takes a man with courage to do what he did in 2023, remove petroleum subsidy, and follow it with the floating of the naira,” Otti said.
According to the governor, the reforms have increased revenues available to the federal, state and local governments, enabling many states to pay salaries, build infrastructure and invest in development projects.
While acknowledging that the policies caused temporary economic hardship, Otti said such challenges were expected during major economic reforms.
“Every courageous decision has its own consequences. Over time, the economy will begin to correct,” he said.
He added that the hardship many Nigerians are experiencing today is largely the result of years of unsustainable economic practices, rather than the reforms themselves.
