Ondo ADC Candidate Pledges Support for Fuel Subsidy Restoration and State Police
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency in Ondo State, Mr Balarabe Akinwumi, has pledged to support the restoration of the fuel subsidy if elected, arguing that its removal has inflicted untold hardship on Nigerians.
Akinwumi made this commitment while speaking with journalists in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday. He stated that the subsidy should not only be reinstated but also properly monitored to prevent corruption and ensure that the benefits reach ordinary citizens.
Subsidy Removal and Economic Hardship
The ADC candidate explained that the removal of the fuel subsidy had worsened the economic situation for many Nigerians and should be reversed. According to him, the policy has placed a heavy burden on the populace and requires urgent reconsideration.
He said, “Our party has made it clear that we need to return subsidy and make it work for the benefit of our people. There is no country in the world that does not find a way to cushion the effects of some sectors through interventions.”
Akinwumi stressed that the return of the subsidy must be accompanied by transparency and accountability, noting that proper monitoring would help prevent the mismanagement of funds that has historically plagued the scheme.
Advocacy for State Police
In addition to his position on the fuel subsidy, Akinwumi vowed to support the passage of legislation establishing state police, describing both policies as essential to addressing Nigeria’s security and economic challenges.
He argued that the current security architecture is outdated and inadequate for the threats facing the country. “We can no longer be policing current security threats with 20th-century tools. We need to invest in intelligence gathering, modern equipment and technology to meet the security challenges confronting the country,” he said.
On insecurity, the ADC candidate described the situation in parts of Ondo State as a major concern. He explained that state police would enable security personnel to better understand the local terrain, languages and cultures of the communities they serve, thereby improving their effectiveness.
Investment in Security Technology
Akinwumi called for increased investment in surveillance technology, drones, night-vision goggles and intelligence gathering. He also advocated adequate funding and modern equipment for security agencies to tackle the country’s security challenges effectively.
He further recommended proper monitoring of security budgets to ensure that allocated funds are used for their intended purposes. In addition, he advocated community policing through collaboration among traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and security agencies to improve intelligence sharing and public participation in security matters.
Legislative Agenda and Constituency Development
If elected, Akinwumi promised to sponsor and support motions aimed at addressing infrastructure challenges in the federal constituency. He identified poor roads, unemployment, poverty and inadequate economic opportunities as major challenges facing the area.
He said his legislative agenda would prioritise infrastructural development, vocational training, job creation and improved access to financial support for small businesses.
Women’s Empowerment and Access to Finance
On women’s empowerment, the ADC candidate proposed a review of existing loan requirements that make it difficult for women and young entrepreneurs to access government-backed financial interventions.
He also promised to work towards connecting women-owned businesses with agencies such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Bank of Industry to improve their access to affordable financing.
Akinwumi’s pledges come as the constituency prepares for the upcoming elections, with the ADC candidate positioning himself as an advocate for policies aimed at alleviating economic hardship and improving security in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
