Give President Tinubu Time; He Might Tax Our Air, SDP’s Adewole Adebayo says

Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has criticized the federal government’s decision to implement a 15 percent import duty on refined petroleum products.

Adebayo labeled this action as “unpopular” and accused President Bola Tinubu of enforcing overly burdensome tax policies.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Adebayo claimed that the administration is more focused on generating revenue than on the well-being of its citizens.

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He stated, “President Tinubu is a shrewd tax collector. He’ll want to impose taxes on everything, perhaps even an oxygen tax in the near future. If we’re not cautious, it could extend to the air we breathe. Just wait; he’ll get there,” he said.

Adebayo argued that the new import duty is contrary to the values Tinubu once stood for. “It’s an unpeople-friendly decision and a reflection of the new Tinubu. The Tinubu who was once affiliated with the SDP, following Abiola and championing Hope 93, has seemingly shifted to align with the wealthy elite.

They see you not as a citizen, but as a customer. If you have twins or triplets at home, Tinubu might consider imposing a tax on multiple births. His focus seems to be solely on increasing revenue. This is unacceptable,” he asserted.

He warned that the tariff will ultimately burden ordinary Nigerians, particularly during these tough economic times. “A 15 percent tariff on imported petrol means the consumer at the gas station is the one who will bear the cost,” Adebayo added.