VP Shettima reveals why Tinubu kept subsidy removal secret
Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu kept fuel subsidy removal secret before his swearing-in. Speaking during a Sallah homage visit to Tinubu in Lagos earlier today, Shettima revealed that Tinubu deliberately kept the decision confidential because he feared people would try to persuade him not to proceed with it.
"You kept it a top secret, it wasn't part of your speech, you made that decision and kept it close to your heart because you believe if you had incorporated it into your speech, some people would try to persuade you not to do so," Shettima stated. He described this as "the courage of leadership, that is the audacity of hope, that is the effrontery to see into the future."
The revelation provides insight into Tinubu's decision-making process for one of the most significant policy changes of his presidency. The fuel subsidy removal has been a major economic decision affecting millions of Nigerians since it was implemented earlier this year. Does this strategic approach to major policy decisions reflect effective leadership, or should leaders be more transparent with stakeholders about their plans?