₦airaland Forum

Reacting to the news of Buhari’s passing in a statement on Sunday, Wabba said the former President’s death , came as a shock to many Nigerians, especially workers who benefitted directly from his empathy and economic policies aimed at uplifting the downtrodden.

“What was meant to be a routine health check in London, United Kingdom, sadly turned into the demise of a Commander-in-Chief who will long be remembered for standing firmly with the poor and vulnerable,” Wabba stated.

Wabba recalled how shortly after assuming office in 2015, Buhari approved a $2.1 billion bailout package for cash-strapped states to help clear the backlog of unpaid salaries and pension arrears. “He was deeply moved by the hardship faced by workers. He once asked state governors how they managed to sleep at night knowing that their workers were owed salaries,” Wabba recounted.

In 2017, Buhari further demonstrated solidarity with workers by releasing another tranche of bailout funds running into billions of naira to assist states in liquidating outstanding salary and pension obligations. “Regrettably, some unscrupulous governors diverted the funds,” Wabba lamented.

He also praised Buhari’s role in the national minimum wage negotiations. “President Buhari was committed to improving workers’ welfare. During talks on a new minimum wage, he proposed a figure even higher than the N30,000 that was eventually agreed. Unfortunately, the resistance of many state governors prevented a more generous outcome,” he said.

According to Wabba, Buhari’s most significant pro-poor policy was his steadfast refusal to remove the petrol subsidy, despite immense pressure from international financial institutions. “Despite intense pressure from the IMF and the World Bank, President Buhari stood his ground and refused to increase the price of refined petroleum products beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. He chose to stand with the people,” he said.

Wabba noted that history would judge leaders not by their rhetoric but by the impact they make in the lives of the people. “President Buhari made a difference where it mattered most—among workers, pensioners, and the poor,” he added.

Concluding his tribute, Wabba prayed for the peaceful repose of the late President’s soul. “We pray that Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him Aljannah Firdaus. On behalf of myself and my family, I extend heartfelt condolences to the former First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the children, the entire Buhari family, and close associates and friends of the late President.

According to Wabba, Buhari’s most significant pro-poor policy was his steadfast refusal to remove the petrol subsidy, despite immense pressure from international financial institutions. “Despite intense pressure from the IMF and the World Bank, President Buhari stood his ground and refused to increase the price of refined petroleum products beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. He chose to stand with the people,” he said.

Putindbutt:
I [i]don't know why we have a short memory or selective amnesia in this country.[/i] In 2022, Buhari signed the PIB into law, the law became effective. Under the PIB, fuel subsidy is no longer backed by the law, it becomes unlawful. And due to this fact, Buhari did not make provision for fuel subsidy in the 2023 budget, hence, why Tinubu said subsidy is gone. The subsidy at the time was only provided for a six month period which was supposed to expire in June 2023. As a matter of fact, Tinubu still continued with subsidy till the end of 2023 - mid 2024 due to high exchange rate.

Putindbutt:
I don't know why we have a short memory or selective amnesia in this country. In 2022, Buhari signed the PIB into law, the law became effective. Under the PIB, fuel subsidy is no longer backed by the law, it becomes unlawful. And due to this fact, Buhari did not make provision for fuel subsidy in the 2023 budget, hence, why Tinubu said subsidy is gone. The subsidy at the time was only provided for a six month period which was supposed to expire in June 2023. As a matter of fact, Tinubu still continued with subsidy till the end of 2023 - mid 2024 due to high exchange rate.

Putindbutt:
I don't know why we have a short memory or selective amnesia in this country. In 2022, Buhari signed the PIB into law, the law became effective. Under the PIB, fuel subsidy is no longer backed by the law, it becomes unlawful. And due to this fact, Buhari did not make provision for fuel subsidy in the 2023 budget, hence, why Tinubu said subsidy is gone. The subsidy at the time was only provided for a six month period which was supposed to expire in June 2023. As a matter of fact, Tinubu still continued with subsidy till the end of 2023 - mid 2024 due to high exchange rate.

MadamExcellency:
Buhari secured the largest loans from foreign institutions, which significantly damaged Nigeria's economy. He misused these funds to distribute weekly cash grants and humanitarian aid to Northerners under the guise of "saraka." This practice has created a culture of complacency, turning once energetic and capable workers into a lazy labour force.

Edoreborn:
That subsidy really changed a lot of things..this govt no even reason common people..He just opened mouth waaaaaa,, subsidy is gone..

seunlayi:
Same people that refused to allow Jonathan remove subsidy. I started using Buhari since that time. You that was one a petroleum minister in late 70s and a former head of state that supposed to know what is happening better.

badoh:
Even if he did not open his mouth waaaaa as you said, was there provision for subsidy after June 2023? So the mere fact that Tinubu informed Nigerians that subsidy is gone is now the offence he committed?

Putindbutt:
I don't know why we have a short memory or selective amnesia in this country. In 2022, Buhari signed the PIB into law, the law became effective. Under the PIB, fuel subsidy is no longer backed by the law, it becomes unlawful. And due to this fact, Buhari did not make provision for fuel subsidy in the 2023 budget, hence, why Tinubu said subsidy is gone. The subsidy at the time was only provided for a six month period which was supposed to expire in June 2023. As a matter of fact, Tinubu still continued with subsidy till the end of 2023 - mid 2024 due to high exchange rate.