Hon. Yusuf Gagdi
Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, has dismissed reports that he called for the probe of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the removal of fuel subsidy.
Gagdi stated that it is only a plot to pitch him against the president.
A report had alleged that Gagdi, in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, said the president would be held to account for subsidy removal savings.
However, Gagdi, in a statement issued on Sunday, urged the media to be thorough in its reporting and not lose its integrity, especially when it involves translation.
He noted that it is not in his character to use certain words or impute any motive concerning this administration that is working to elevate Nigerians out of poverty and make things work better for most people.
The lawmaker argued that the removal of fuel subsidy was imperative, considering it only enriched the wealthy individual to the exclusion of most Nigerians and applauded Tinubu for the bold step.
Gagdi said he remains committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the purported report of calling for Tinubu’s probe was an attempt to pitch him against the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’
He said, “The report quoting me to have allegedly said President Tinubu would be probed over the subsidy removal was misleading.
“Nothing can be farther from the truth in that news report. I granted an interview with BBC Hausa Service wherein I made the point that it was imperative for the fuel subsidy to go as it was only enriching a few privileged and rich individuals to the exclusion of the majority of Nigerians.
“It is most irresponsible, reckless, and designed to pitch me against our hardworking, committed President and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
“For the avoidance of doubt, as a parliamentarian and one of the longest serving ones at that, I have remained committed to my party, APC, its aspirations, and most importantly, the objective of President Tinubu to renew hope and make our country work again.
“Owing to the immense esteem in which I hold the president, I voluntarily stepped down from the speakership race when I was directed to.”