Amid debates over how to manage fuel subsidy removal proceeds, FCT minister Nyesom Wike said President Bola Tinubu cannot dictate how governors should use subsidy funds.

Mr Wike, who said this during a media chat on Wednesday, dismissed destructive criticism of Mr Tinubu over subsidy funds.

“Now, the government has said the gains have been shared among sub-nationals. Tinubu has no power to say, ‘State, this is what you should do with the funds that you’ve brought in from the fuel subsidy’.

“He has no power to tell local governments what to do with their money. All tiers of government are independent,” Mr Wike stated.

Mr Wike further noted that increased allocations have given states the financial capacity needed to facilitate infrastructure development.

“Today states are saying, unlike before, we can’t pay salaries or pensions, and there are strikes all over the place. Now there are no strikes. There are advantages. Now, I have money to carry out projects,” the minister explained.

Mr Wike commended Mr Tinubu for taking the bold decision, adding that the states should adequately account for subsidy funds.

Opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and others, accused the Tinubu-led government of siphoning subsidy funds that could have improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

While Mr Abubakar vowed to restore subsidy if elected president next year, Mr Obi declared support for its removal, noting the funds would be leveraged to improve key sectors in the country.