There would have been major riot if previous government removed fuel subsidy - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has observed that Nigerians are very supportive of his administration, noting that if it were previous governments that removed fuel subsidy, Nigerians would have carried out a major riot.

The Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had at the time of the removal of subsidy, explained that if not for the decision to remove the subsidy on petrol, the federal government would have been spending N16.4 billion every month to offset the subsidy claims of oil marketers.

But speaking yesterday in an interactive session in Berlin with representatives of the Nigerian Community in Germany, Buhari said, “There are things that are happening, which if such had happened before there would have been major riot, like the removal of subsidy on fuel”.

Apparently referring to the several trillions worth of oil fraud perpetrated in 2011, he said, “One third of the activities of the oil marketers are fraudulent, you can see how some of us Nigerians are wicked.

“They just take the money, stamp some papers without bringing the product and this fraudulent activity was between bankers and businessmen,’’ he added.

Buhari went on to assure Nigerians that his administration will continue to “to be very hard on corruption,’’ in addition to encouraging more Nigerians to pay their tax.

“If you work hard and get your money we will try and see how much tax you can pay us, but to take money from government and get away with it no more,’’ he said, wondering why some Nigerians chose to be wicked to their country.

He also said his administration is greatly encouraged by the uncommon support from Nigerians in the fight against corruption, as well as initiatives aimed at stimulating the economy.

The President stated that his administration will reciprocate the gesture by strengthening critical institutions needed for sustainable development and prosperity.

His words, “We are working hard to empower our institutions especially our educational institutions.

“If you educate a person that is the best you can do for him but if not you make him susceptible to religious, ethnic, negative thinking and action.

“Nigerians are virtually supporting us in our fight against corruption, security and the economy.”