Atiku tackles President Tinubu over fuel subsidy
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has again taken aim at President Bola Tinubu’s administration, this time over the ongoing payment of subsidies on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol.
Atiku’s criticism follows President Tinubu’s approval of a request by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to use the 2023 dividends due to the federation for subsidizing petrol.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Atiku expressed deep concern over this development, labeling it as yet another example of the lack of transparency within the current government.
He pointed out the apparent contradiction between Tinubu’s actions and his earlier public declarations.
Specifically, Atiku highlighted Tinubu’s national address, in which he announced the end of the subsidy regime.
Atiku, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the recent election, noted that even before this latest move, there were signs that subsidies were being reintroduced, albeit through less transparent means.
He argued that this inconsistency between the President’s words and actions not only undermines his moral authority but also damages the credibility of his administration.
Atiku also criticized the ongoing delays in the re-operation of the Port Harcourt refinery, which he described as a national embarrassment.
He attributed this failure to President Tinubu, who also holds the position of Minister of Petroleum Resources.
Atiku further criticized the NNPC Limited for its repeated denials of the fuel shortages and rising prices that are exacerbating the difficulties faced by Nigerians.
He expressed concern over President Tinubu’s silence in the midst of disputes between local investors who favor refinery operations and those advocating for the importation of PMS.
He called for greater transparency in the downstream petroleum sector and pressed the administration to provide clear explanations regarding the complexities of the subsidy policy and PMS refining.
