Subsidy savings: I didn’t call for Tinubu’s probe – Gagdi

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi, has described reports that he called for the probe of President Bola Tinubu, over savings from the removal of fuel subsidy, as untrue.

Gagdi, in a statement, stated that in a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, he had lauded President Tinubu for ending the fuel subsidy regime.

The lawmaker added that in his interview, he had maintained that the fuel subsidy regime was only beneficial to a few individuals, to the exclusion of a lot of Nigerians. Regardless, Gagdi expressed dismay that his views were misrepresented by a section of the media.

According to him, “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 majority of Nigerians.

“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 majority of Nigerians can enjoy the dividends of the subsidy removal.

“However, I was taken aback at the sensational headline in which the media, decided to couch the news item just for the clicks and gain traction. 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 one 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.”