Okpebholo: Tinubu’s Fuel Subsidy Removal, Forex Reforms Strengthen States’ Finances

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy and unification of foreign exchange rates have improved the financial capacity of state governments, enabling them to meet salary obligations, deliver infrastructure projects and strengthen security operations.

He acknowledged that the reforms had triggered economic hardship but maintained that their benefits would become more evident over time.

According to him, the decisions required political courage and have increased the resources available to governments to meet their responsibilities.

The governor spoke when he received members of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the Government House in Benin City.

He defended the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that previous administrations had shied away from taking similar action because of the anticipated economic and political consequences.

On foreign exchange, Okpebholo criticised the previous system, arguing that the gap between official and parallel market rates created opportunities for individuals to profit at the expense of public funds.

He maintained that the reforms had improved the financial position of state governments, giving them greater capacity to meet their obligations and pursue development projects.

The governor attributed his administration’s consistent payment of workers’ salaries since assuming office to improved financial resources and prudent management.

He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure development and security operations as evidence of the impact of increased funding.

On insecurity, Okpebholo said tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities required substantial investment in modern equipment, intelligence gathering and coordinated operations across state boundaries.

While acknowledging the difficulties Nigerians had faced following the reforms, he insisted that their long-term benefits would emerge with time.

Okpebholo also urged journalists to uphold professional standards and verify information before publication, warning against the spread of unconfirmed claims on social media.

He cited online reports alleging that his Chief Security Officer had been removed from office because he had not been seen for two days, describing such claims as a reason for greater scrutiny before publication.

The governor said he would first establish whether credible media organisations had reported a claim before accepting it as factual.

He, however, warned that some conventional media outlets had also adopted the practice of reproducing trending social media content without adequate verification.

He urged journalists to prioritise accuracy, fairness and responsible reporting rather than amplify speculation.

Okpebholo further encouraged media practitioners to highlight positive developments, national unity, peace and government initiatives that contribute to societal progress.

Commending the NUJ for its role in sustaining democracy and promoting national cohesion, the governor acknowledged the difficult circumstances under which journalists operate.

He urged media practitioners to discharge their responsibilities with patriotism and professionalism, stressing that Nigeria belonged to all citizens and that the media had a crucial role in strengthening democracy and fostering national unity.

On the part of the NUJ chairman, Edo State Council, Festus Alenkhe, he assured the governor of upholding the ethics of the Journalism profession.

He also noted that journalists in the state have been doing their best in showcasing the activities of government and will continue to do that objectively.