Fuel Subsidy Removal: Playing Politics With The Lives Of Nigerians

By Kehinde Fatiregun

On January 1 2012, when the PDP government of former President Goodluck Jonathan courageously announced the removal of fuel subsidy, Nigeria erupted in protest. The streets were filled with angry voices, banners, and chants not only from the masses but led and encouraged by those who are now in power (President Tinubu, Ex President Buhari, Prof Wole Soyinka, Pastor Tunde Bakare). At that time, the current ruling party (APC) organized massive demonstrations, claiming to defend the poor. They portrayed themselves as the conscience of the nation, accusing Jonathan of insensitivity and wickedness.

But years later, the same political actors now seated comfortably in power have done the very same thing they condemned, and even worse. They have removed the subsidy without a clear plan, without cushioning the effect, and without remorse. And now, the very citizens they once used as political weapons are the ones bearing the unbearable cost of food, fuel, and survival.

This is not just hypocrisy, it is wickedness wrapped in political strategy.

It is playing politics with people’s lives.

A government that once stood in the streets shouting “enough is enough” (ocuupy Nigeria) now watches silently as millions sink into poverty. A leadership that once demanded compassion has replaced it with complacency. Those who once cried for justice have turned a blind eye to suffering.

What changed? Not the policy only the faces in power. And that is the problem with Nigeria’s politics. It is not driven by principle, but by position. Not by truth, but by convenience.

Every administration that rises to power plays the same game using the people as ladders to climb, then kicking those ladders away. When they are out of office, they find their voices again; when they are in office, they lose their conscience.

And all the while, ordinary Nigerians are left gasping for air paying more for transport, food, school fees, and medicine, while leaders argue over who should take the credit or the blame.

The truth is that the removal of fuel subsidy could have been a turning point if handled with honesty, foresight, and compassion. But when politics replaces planning, policies become punishment. And when leaders use national pain as a tool of power, governance becomes cruelty disguised as reform.

How can a nation progress when the same people who once called for resistance are now enforcing what they opposed? How can we trust leaders who change their convictions with their positions?

This is why Nigerians must wake up. We must demand consistency from those who lead us not empty rhetoric that shifts with the wind. We must stop cheering for personalities and start standing for principles.

The future of our nation depends on citizens who can see beyond propaganda, beyond party colours, and beyond the deceptive drama of political convenience.

Because until our leaders know that we are watching, remembering, and holding them accountable, they will continue to play politics with our pain.

The time has come to say enough not just to bad policies, but to bad politics.

Nigeria deserves leaders who mean what they say and say what they mean.

Our lives should never again be bargaining chips in the ruthless game of power.