Prophet Sam Ojo Warns Tinubu: Fuel Tax Will Hurt Poor Nigerians, Urges Policy Reversal

Prophet Samuel Adebayo Ojo, popularly known as Baba Authority, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against introducing harsh economic measures, particularly the proposed 5% tax on fuel. He warned that such a move would severely affect ordinary Nigerians and risk tarnishing the president’s legacy.

Speaking during his October 1st sermon to mark 20 years of his global prophetic ministry, the General Overseer of the Freedom Apostolic Revival International Ministry (FARIM) commended the administration’s poverty reduction and empowerment initiatives but stressed that punitive economic policies could undermine these efforts.

“The poor and downtrodden will be at the receiving end of this tax system,” Prophet Ojo said, urging Tinubu to reconsider the policy. “Instead of giving people money, reduce fuel prices, as increased costs have already had an untold impact on the cost of living.”

The cleric also expressed disappointment over the cancellation of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations, calling it a “bad omen” for the country. He further urged Tinubu to reinstate the previous national anthem, which he said many Nigerians connect with more easily.

Prophet Ojo reminded the president that “God’s mercy ensured that Bola Tinubu became the President of Nigeria in 2023 against all odds,” warning him not to take the people’s love or God’s grace for granted. He advised that palliative measures for the poor and elderly must be implemented to ease the burden of economic reforms.

He prayed for divine direction for President Tinubu, asking God to guide him in leading Nigeria to “enviable heights” while also encouraging Nigerians to keep praying for the nation’s true freedom.

The message comes amid growing public backlash over the government’s new tax policies, which also target influencers and remote workers, raising concerns that the poor may be disproportionately affected.