Khadijat Omotayo, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Constituency Affairs, has called for an end to the ongoing criticisms directed at the president over the removal of fuel subsidies, emphasizing that the policy is intended to benefit all citizens.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, Omotayo defended the administration’s actions, highlighting its economic reforms and social programs.
She explained that the funds saved from the subsidy removal have been distributed to states and that the president has already approved salary increases for workers, with more to come.
“We shouldn’t continue attacking Mr. President, who wants the benefits of democracy to reach all states,” Omotayo said.
“If the president were a partisan politician, he wouldn’t have allowed me to visit Plateau State, as it is a PDP state. But I am here representing him because he wants to include everyone. During the election period, we fought for it and secured it. After the election, we must ensure we include all Nigerians in the process.”
Omotayo also pointed out the unprecedented salary increments for workers, urging gratitude towards the president. “When was the last time any president increased workers’ salaries? Mr. President deserves appreciation. He has not been in office for even a year and has already increased salaries, with more promised during his tenure.”
She encouraged students to take advantage of the new student loan program, assuring them that the repayment plan is designed to ease their financial burden.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the State Commissioner for Youths, Musa Ashoms, praised Tinubu’s administration for its developmental efforts in Plateau State.
“Mr. President is doing a lot for us in Plateau, but like Oliver Twist, we are asking for more. It is our time for development, as you said with Emilokan,” Mutfwang stated.
Omotayo urged Nigerians to unite in building a prosperous nation, stressing the importance of holding elected representatives accountable rather than directing all frustration at the president.
“We need to be asking our representatives questions, not attacking Mr. President. He is rich enough to choose not to run, but he wants to bring renewed hope to Nigerians, which is why he said, ‘I want to do Emilokan.’”
The town hall meeting was attended by market women, youth groups, labor leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, and students.
