“Nigerians Deserve Better Than This Deception,” Atiku Criticizes Tinubu Over Fuel Subsidy

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized the Federal Government for continuing to pay fuel subsidies despite previous claims of abolishment.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the former vice president expressed his shock and concern over the government’s ongoing support for downstream fuel consumption. This reaction came shortly after the Federal Government acknowledged that fuel subsidy expenditures are expected to rise to ₦5.4 trillion in 2024.

The disclosure was made by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, on Tuesday during the presentation of the Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP) to President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

Atiku pointed out the contradiction between President Bola Tinubu’s May 29, 2023, inauguration speech, where he announced the end of the fuel subsidy, and the recent revelations of continued subsidy payments.

“President Bola Tinubu, at his inauguration on May 29, 2023, announced the abolishment of the subsidy on PMS, popularly known as fuel. Ever since, it has been a bragging right of Tinubu and officials of his administration. I had in my statement reviewing the one year of the Bola Tinubu administration urged the government to come clean on the actual position of the subsidy policy,” Atiku stated.

Atiku accused the federal government of not being transparent with Nigerians about the continued subsidy payments, highlighting the discrepancy between the announced policy and actual practice. He underscored the need for honesty and transparency in government dealings, stating, “If the subsidy regime had been characterised by opaqueness, what would we say of a situation where the subsidy is still being paid under the cover without Nigerians in the know? Like millions of Nigerians, I was shocked to learn through media reports that the government is still supporting downstream consumption.”

He emphasized that the projected ₦5.4 trillion expenditure on fuel subsidy in 2024 starkly contrasts with the administration’s earlier claims. Atiku concluded by condemning the government’s approach as deceptive and urged for better governance. “Paying subsidies and lying about it is nothing to brag about. Nigerians deserve better than this deception,” he said.