TheCable

Yusuf Gagdi, chair of the house of representatives committee on navy, has denied calling for a probe of President Bola Tinubu over the removal of subsidy on petrol.

Gagdi, a member of the house of representatives, said this while reacting to reports that quoted him calling for the probe in an interview with BBC Hausa.

In a statement on Sunday, the Plateau lawmaker said the reports were mischievous and an attempt to “blackmail” him.

The lawmaker said in the interview, he only insisted that the subsidy on petrol needed to go.

“I granted an interview with BBC Hausa Service wherein I made the point that it was imperative for the fuel subsidy to go as it was only enriching a few privileged and rich individuals to the exclusion of the majority of Nigerians,” he said.

“In the said interview which was in Hausa, I applauded the courage of President Tinubu in removing the subsidy and not buckling under in spite of pressures from some quarters for the reversal of the fuel subsidy.

“I also acknowledged savings from the subsidy and reiterated the need for prudent spending so the majority of Nigerians can enjoy the dividends of the subsidy removal.

“It is most irresponsible, reckless and designed to pitch me against our hardworking, committed President and his Renewed Hope Agenda.

“For the avoidance of doubt, as a parliamentarian and one of the longest serving ones at that, I have remained committed to my party, APC, its aspirations and most importantly the objective of President Tinubu to renew hope and make our country work again.”

On assuming office in May, Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy regime, a declaration that immediately led to galloping inflation and economic hardship.

The president has asked Nigerians to endure the hardship as his administration is working to cushion the effect of the policy.