Atiku Criticizes Tinubu Over Fuel Subsidy Policy

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again taken aim at President Bola Tinubu’s administration, this time over the continued payment of subsidies on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The criticism follows Tinubu’s recent approval of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) request to utilize the 2023 dividends due to the federation for subsidizing petrol. This move has sparked concern, particularly from Atiku, who voiced his discontent in a post on his verified Facebook page. He described the development as yet another example of opaque governance under the current administration.

Atiku pointed out that Tinubu’s decision contradicts the President’s earlier declaration in a national broadcast, where he announced the end of the fuel subsidy regime. The former Vice President, who was also the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the recent election, highlighted that even before this announcement, there were persistent indications that subsidy payments were being reintroduced through less transparent means.

“The discrepancy between the President’s statements and his actions not only undermines the moral authority of his leadership but also significantly erodes the credibility of his administration,” Atiku stated.

In addition to his criticism of the subsidy policy, Atiku condemned the delays in the re-operation of the Port Harcourt refinery, labeling it a national disgrace. He attributed this ongoing failure to President Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Atiku further noted that the continued denials by NNPC Limited only worsen the challenges faced by Nigerians, who are grappling with fuel shortages and rising prices. He expressed concern over the President’s silence amid ongoing disputes between local investors supporting refinery operations and those pushing for the importation of PMS.

In conclusion, Atiku called on President Tinubu to take decisive action to resolve these critical issues in the national interest. He emphasized the urgent need for transparency in the downstream petroleum sector and urged the administration to clarify the complexities surrounding the subsidy policy and PMS refining.