By Adedapo Adesanya
The former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Mr Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his administration’s continued denial of the return of fuel subsidies.
Recall that on the day of his inauguration, President Tinubu declared that “subsidy is gone,” but over the last year, there have been indications that the expensive policy remained.
Mr Atiku, who came second to Mr Tinubu at the 2023 general election, said reports on the re-introduction of fuel subsidies showed the President was not transparent in his dealings.
Reports had alleged that Mr Tinubu approved the request of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to spend the federation’s dividends on petrol subsidies.
The report further alleged that NNPC Limited is expected to pause the payment of interim dividends for eight months this year — from May to December for the same purpose.
Mr Atiku in a statement on his verified X handle on Monday described the move as having implications for the integrity of the country’s federalism.
“The latest revelations circulating through credible media outlets regarding the federal government’s covert continuation of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) represent another chapter in the opaque governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“This development starkly contrasts with the President’s firm assertions in a national broadcast, which followed closely on the heels of public protests decrying poor governance, where he declared the subsidy regime concluded.
“However, disclosures prior to his announcement have consistently indicated a resurgence of subsidy payments, albeit through less transparent means.
“This dissonance between the President’s words and his actions not only undermines the moral fabric of his leadership but also significantly erodes the credibility of his administration.
“At a time when the nation grapples with severe fuel scarcity and escalating energy costs, the continued delays in the re-operation of the Port Harcourt refinery stand as a national disgrace — a failure that rests firmly on the shoulders of President Tinubu, who also holds the office of the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
“Moreover, the persistent denials by NNPC Limited only exacerbate the plight of Nigerians, who endure severe difficulties due to fuel shortages and resultant price inflations.
“Amidst a contentious dispute between local investors favouring refinery operations and those advocating for imported PMS, the President’s silence is profoundly disconcerting.
“It is paramount that the President, who is intrinsically responsible for overseeing and intervening in such critical disputes to safeguard national interests, steps up to fulfil these expectations.
“The veil of secrecy shrouding the downstream petroleum sector, coupled with alarming reports of NNPC Limited diverting funds intended for other purposes to cover subsidy payments, adds layers of confusion that are unbearably unsettling.
“If these reports hold true, they portend grave implications for the integrity of our fiscal federalism.
“It is imperative, therefore, that the Tinubu administration urgently clarifies the entanglements surrounding the subsidy policy and the refining of PMS.
“Only through transparent governance can Nigerians hope to find relief from the current debilitating conditions of fuel scarcity and the spiralling inflation affecting petroleum products,” he wrote.