Atiku Slams Tinubu Administration Over Alleged Covert Continuation of Fuel Subsidy

Former Vice President of Nigeria and the 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has expressed strong criticism of the Tinubu administration following recent revelations concerning the continued subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). In a tweet posted on his official X handle, Atiku described the situation as another example of opaque governance under President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku’s statement follows reports from credible media outlets suggesting that, contrary to President Tinubu’s previous assertions, the federal government has covertly continued the subsidy on PMS. The former Vice President pointed out the inconsistency between the President’s public declaration that the subsidy regime had ended and the ongoing payments that have been disclosed through less transparent channels.

“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,” Atiku tweeted. He further criticized the government’s handling of the Port Harcourt refinery, calling the continued delays in its re-operation a “national disgrace.”

Atiku also took aim at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, accusing it of worsening the plight of Nigerians through its denials of the subsidy’s continuation. He highlighted the severe difficulties faced by citizens due to fuel shortages and rising prices, which have been exacerbated by ongoing disputes between local investors and those supporting imported PMS.

“The President’s silence is profoundly disconcerting,” Atiku stated, emphasizing that as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, President Tinubu holds direct responsibility for resolving such critical disputes to safeguard national interests.

Atiku warned that the secrecy surrounding the downstream petroleum sector and reports of NNPC diverting funds meant for other purposes to cover subsidy payments could have serious implications for the integrity of Nigeria’s fiscal federalism. He called for immediate transparency from the Tinubu administration regarding the subsidy policy and PMS refining to alleviate the current economic hardships being endured by Nigerians.

The former Vice President concluded by urging the government to clarify the complexities surrounding the subsidy issue, stating that only through transparent governance can the nation hope to address the challenges of fuel scarcity and rising inflation.