By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Constituency Affairs, Khadijat Omotayo, has appealed to Nigerians to refrain from criticizing the President over the removal of fuel subsidy.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, Omotayo emphasized that Tinubu’s decision was aimed at improving the country’s economy.
The gathering was attended by various stakeholders, including market women, youth groups, labor leaders, farmers, traditional rulers, government officials, and students.
She explained that the revenue generated from the subsidy removal had been allocated to all states, and the President had already approved an increase in workers’ salaries, with further increments expected during his tenure.
Omotayo highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to national unity, pointing to her presence in Plateau, a state governed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as evidence of his willingness to work with all Nigerians.
She also praised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts in fostering democracy and inclusivity.
She stated, “I don’t expect us at this point to keep attacking Mr. President, who wants dividends of democracy to go down the states. If Mr. President is a partisan politician, he won’t let me come to Plateau State, as we all know it is a PDP state. But I’m here to represent him just because he wants to carry everybody along.”
Defending the government’s policies, she noted that President Tinubu had introduced a student loan scheme benefiting all regions, allowing students to access loans without collateral.
“The students are talking about free education, and Mr. President has initiated free loans for the students. All regions are benefitting from this loan. Tell a friend to tell a friend; tell a mother to tell a brother, tell a father to tell a brother. There is a free student loan without collateral. What do you want again?” she asked.
Omotayo called on Nigerians to support the government’s initiatives and urged citizens to hold their representatives accountable rather than directing their frustrations at the President.
Governor Mutfwang, represented by the Plateau State Commissioner for Youths, Musa Ashoms, appreciated Tinubu’s support for Plateau and reiterated his administration’s commitment to development.
He stated, “Mr. President is doing a lot for us in Plateau, but like Oliver Twist, we are only asking for more. Like you said Emilokan, as Plateau State, it is our time for development.”
The town hall meeting provided an opportunity for citizens to engage with government representatives and discuss pressing national issues.