Atiku knocks Tinubu’s administration over continued petrol subsidy payments

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).

This criticism comes in the wake of Tinubu’s approval of a request by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to use the 2023 dividends due to the federation for petrol subsidies.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Atiku expressed his concern over the latest developments, describing them as another example of opaque governance under the current administration.

He noted that this decision contradicts President Tinubu’s earlier declaration during a national broadcast, where he announced the end of the subsidy regime.

Atiku, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the recent election, highlighted that even before this announcement, there were consistent indications of a return to subsidy payments, albeit through less transparent means.

“This 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.

Atiku also criticized the delays in the re-operation of the Port Harcourt refinery, calling it a national disgrace. He attributed this failure to President Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Furthermore, Atiku pointed out that the persistent denials by NNPC Limited exacerbate the difficulties faced by Nigerians due to fuel shortages and escalating prices. He expressed concern over the President’s silence amid ongoing disputes between local investors favoring refinery operations and those advocating for imported PMS.

Atiku called on President Tinubu to take responsibility for resolving these critical issues to safeguard national interests. He emphasised the need for transparency in the downstream petroleum sector and urged the Tinubu administration to clarify the complexities surrounding the subsidy policy and PMS refining.