That Engineer Satomi’s Subsidized Fuel Palliatiative Still Makes Sense

By Abdulkareem Haruna

In a commendable display of compassion, Engineer Ahmed Satomi, the member representating Jere Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, had recently taken significant steps to alleviate the burden on the citizens of Borno state capital following the recent removal of fuel subsidies. Particularly targeting small businesses and Keke Napep commercial tricycle riders, who have been heavily impacted by the government’s decision, Satomi’s provision of 100,000 liters of subsidized fuel has eased the financial strain faced by the poor in their daily lives.

Amidst the sharp increase in the cost of petrol due to the subsidy removal, Honorable Satomi allocated approximately N20 million to subsidize fuel prices, lowering the cost from N637 to N430 per liter. This translates to a payment of 207 naira for each of the 100,000 liters purchased by the residents during the designated period.

In three days, Satomi’s efforts significantly alleviated the financial burden of accessing fuel, providing much-needed relief to the downtrodden people.

To ensure equitable distribution, the committee entrusted with handling the fuel subsidy initiative spread the 100,000 liters of fuel across 15 strategically positioned fuel stations in Maiduguri and Jere. Importantly, they put measures in place to ensure the Satomi petroleum Subsidy Palliative (as they called) did not exceed a certain limit per vehicle. This careful oversight aimed to maximize the impact and reach of the initiative, ensuring that as many individuals as possible benefited from the subsidization.

While some naysayers argue that this initiative may not have made a substantial impact, those who directly benefited from the subsidized fuel have, at least within that period, experienced real relief from the financial strain. Their stories of improved livelihood within that window of time they enjoyed the fuel palliative, serve as testimonies to the genuine impact of Honorable Satomi’s effort.

However, it is essential to analyze the wider implications of such a program and the potential it holds.

The positive effect of Satomi’s initiative could have been magnified exponentially had every of the 13 National Assembly members in the state, as well as other political officeholders, chosen to emulate Engineer Satomi’s efforts. Imagine the collective power of all these representatives working together to address the challenges facing their constituents. By joining forces, they could have made an even more meaningful impact on the lives of the poor and marginalized. If all ten House of Reps members in the state pooled a 100,000 liters each it means the state would be buying one million liters at subsidized rate of N430. And if everyone is to buy a limit quantity of, let’s say 10 liters, it means 100,000 vehicle owners or local business owners needing to fuel their generating plant would have benefitted. It means each person that bought at that Satomi Subsidy Rate gets a savings of N2070 – a good amount that can take care of pressing needs at the home front or even more fuel in the tank!

Honorable Satomi has consistently proven himself as a dedicated representative since his first election to the House of Representatives in 2019. As the first lawmaker to be elected twice in the history of Jere federal constituency, his commitment to serving the people has been a driving force behind his record-making tenure. His recent provision of subsidized fuel stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication.

Satomi’s noble act sets a shining example for other political leaders to follow. By prioritizing the welfare of their constituents and taking action to alleviate their hardships, policymakers can bring about tangible change in the lives of those they serve. It is our hope that Satomi’s compassionate and practical approach will inspire other political leaders to step up and make a difference in their communities.

We at The Humanitarian Times believe in the transformative power of empathetic leadership which Satomi, at least by his fuel palliative embodies. It is our stand as a news medium that has a core niche in humanity, to clearly state that in times of economic uncertainty, collective effort combined with compassionate governance can significantly impact the lives of the people in need.

We hold no apologies to uphold that this particular initiative by Honorable Satomi demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, one person’s actions can have a profound ripple effect, ultimately uplifting the entire Borno state community. It doesn’t matter if the action is laced for political gains or not. As long as it is practical, and touches lives, it matters.

Let us celebrate Satomi’s trailblazing efforts and call on other representatives to follow in his footsteps, by selflessly creating a better society for all.