…Says Tinubu vindicated, urges S’East to align with centre
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, has described Nigeria’s former fuel subsidy regime as a “massive scam” that enriched a privileged few at the expense of millions.
He said the growing wave of development across states has vindicated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to scrap the controversial policy.
Ikoh spoke during the inauguration of Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Bende, Umuahia South, and Umuahia North LGAs of Abia State, where he serves as the state coordinator of the group.
According to him, the removal of the subsidy has unlocked critical funds for states, ending an era in which governments struggled to meet basic obligations.
“Fuel subsidy was a big scam. A few individuals cornered resources meant for Nigerians. Today, that leakage has been blocked, and states now have more funds for development,” Ikoh said.
He noted that many states no longer rely on borrowing to pay salaries, while others have significantly improved workers’ welfare.
“Some states now pay as much as a N100,000 minimum wage. Allocations have increased — some even fourfold. Students now access interest-free loans. These are clear gains of the President’s reforms,” he added.
Ikoh, who claimed the economy was “at ground zero” before Tinubu took office, said ongoing policies are steadily restoring stability and growth.
The former minister urged Abia and the wider South-East to abandon “sentimental politics” and strategically align with the federal government.
“Politics is about interest, not sentiment. The South-East stands to gain more by reconnecting with the centre,” he said.
He charged the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to mobilise grassroots support and deliver votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Coordinators across the LGAs — Chief Emeka Enyama (Umuahia South), Hon. Eze Okwulehie (Umuahia North), and Ibuchim Okorie (Bende) — pledged full commitment to the President’s re-election bid.
Other stakeholders, including the City Boys Movement Coordinator in Umuahia South, Chief Emmanuel Egwu, and former Council Chairman, Chief Charles Ekwueme, also rallied support.
Egwu warned South-East voters against “repeating the 2023 mistake” of failing to align with the centre, insisting Tinubu’s re-election remains formidable.
“If he won in 2023 against all odds, now that he is in office and delivering, what will stop him?” he asked.
He cited the President’s warm reception during a recent London visit as evidence of growing global acceptance.
Former Abia APC Woman Leader and Zonal Secretary for Abia Central, Lady Franca Osuwa, said the region stands to gain more by backing Tinubu in 2027.
“We gave him little support in 2023, yet he accommodated us. We will gain more if we support him fully,” she said.
Also speaking, party chieftain Mrs Jane Ejim said increased capital investments across the 36 states reflect the gains of subsidy removal.
She described President Tinubu as “a master strategist,” noting that his legacy as former Lagos governor continues to impact lives.
Other dignitaries at the event included former JAMB Board Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Ndukwe, and ex-lawmakers Ikedi Ezekwesiri, Chidi Nwosu, and Uche Nwankpa, who serves as Deputy Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Abia.
