Veteran Nollywood actress Remi Surutu has come to the defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid growing public frustration over rising fuel prices, insisting that global dynamics—not local policies—are largely responsible for the surge.
Surutu made the remarks during the launch of EKO57, a political support group formed to galvanise backing for the president’s potential second-term bid. The event drew supporters and political loyalists, with discussions centering on governance, economic challenges, and public perception of the current administration.
Addressing critics who have blamed the government for the persistent increase in petrol prices, the actress pushed back firmly, arguing that such claims overlook the broader international factors that influence energy costs.
“Like I fought with somebody who was saying… ‘Asiwaju caused the fuel hike.’ I said Asiwaju is not responsible for the rise in petrol prices. The price of the fuel is decided by some beings, by the world leaders… hike in fuel has nothing to do with Tinubu,” she said.
Her comments reflect a growing narrative among supporters of the administration who attribute Nigeria’s fuel price volatility to global oil market trends, exchange rate fluctuations, and decisions made by major oil-producing and consuming nations.
Nigeria, despite being an oil-producing country, remains heavily reliant on imported refined petroleum products, making domestic fuel prices sensitive to international market shifts. Analysts note that factors such as crude oil prices, global supply disruptions, and currency valuation all play significant roles in determining pump prices.
The removal of fuel subsidies—an early policy decision of the Tinubu administration—has also been widely discussed as a contributing factor to current price levels. While the policy was aimed at reducing government spending and encouraging market efficiency, it has led to higher retail prices, sparking debate among citizens, economists, and political stakeholders.
Surutu’s intervention highlights the intersection of entertainment and politics in Nigeria, where influential public figures often lend their voices to national issues. Her stance has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters applauding her for defending the administration, while critics argue that domestic policy choices cannot be entirely separated from the realities Nigerians face daily.
The launch of EKO57 itself signals early political mobilisation efforts ahead of the next election cycle, with supporters seeking to consolidate backing for the president’s continued leadership. Events like these are expected to become more frequent as political alignments and narratives begin to take shape.
As the debate over fuel prices continues, Nigerians remain caught between global economic pressures and local policy decisions—both of which play a role in shaping the cost of living. For many, the key concern is not just the cause of rising prices, but the urgency of solutions that can ease the burden on households and businesses.
