By Daniel Edu
Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, has refuted reports suggesting that he called for an investigation into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the removal of the fuel subsidy, deeming them as misleading.
The initial report alleged that Gagdi, in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, asserted that the president should be scrutinized for the savings resulting from the subsidy removal.
In a statement released on Sunday, Gagdi urged the media to exercise thoroughness in reporting and emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity, especially in matters of translation. He asserted that it is not within his character to use specific words or insinuate any motives against an administration working to uplift Nigerians out of poverty and improve the overall well-being of the populace.
Gagdi argued that the removal of the fuel subsidy was a necessary step, highlighting that it previously only benefited a select few, excluding the majority of Nigerians. He commended Tinubu for taking the bold initiative.
Emphasizing his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gagdi dismissed the purported report of him calling for Tinubu’s probe as an attempt to create a division between him and the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’
He clarified, “The report quoting me as allegedly saying President Tinubu would be probed over the subsidy removal was misleading. Nothing can be farther from the truth in that news report.”
Gagdi further explained that in the interview with BBC Hausa Service, he emphasized the necessity of eliminating the fuel subsidy, as it had been benefiting only a privileged few, to the detriment of the majority of Nigerians.
In conclusion, Gagdi denounced the report as irresponsible and designed to create a rift between him and President Tinubu, reaffirming his dedication to the APC and the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He also highlighted his respect for the president by voluntarily stepping down from the speakership race when directed to do so.
