The former Vice President and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (Wazirin Adamawa), has taken to his official X handle to deliver a scathing critique of the federal government under President Bola Tinubu. Atiku’s comments come in the wake of new revelations that suggest the federal government has covertly continued the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), contradicting the President’s previous declarations
In a recent national broadcast, President Tinubu had firmly asserted the end of the subsidy regime—a statement made in response to widespread protests against poor governance. However, Atiku pointed out that credible media reports indicate a resurgence of subsidy payments through less transparent channels, casting a shadow of doubt over the administration’s transparency and commitment to reform.
“The 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 stated. He emphasized that this inconsistency is particularly troubling as the nation grapples with severe fuel scarcity and skyrocketing energy costs.
Atiku further criticized the ongoing delays in the re-operation of the Port Harcourt refinery, describing the situation as a “national disgrace.” He laid the blame squarely on President Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, for failing to address this critical issue.
“The persistent denials by NNPC Limited only exacerbate the plight of Nigerians, who are enduring severe difficulties due to fuel shortages and resultant price inflations,” Atiku remarked. He also expressed deep concern over the President’s silence amidst a contentious dispute between local investors who favor refinery operations and those advocating for imported PMS.
Atiku called on President Tinubu to take decisive action, stressing that the President, who is ultimately responsible for overseeing and resolving such critical disputes, must step up to safeguard the national interest. He warned that the veil of secrecy shrouding the downstream petroleum sector, coupled with alarming reports of NNPC Limited diverting funds meant for other purposes to cover subsidy payments, adds layers of confusion that are deeply unsettling.
“If these reports hold true, they portend grave implications for the integrity of our fiscal federalism,” Atiku cautioned. He urged the Tinubu administration to urgently clarify the entanglements surrounding the subsidy policy and the refining of PMS, insisting that only through transparent governance can Nigerians hope to find relief from the current debilitating conditions of fuel scarcity and the spiraling inflation affecting petroleum products.
Atiku Abubakar’s remarks underscore the growing frustration and disillusionment with the Tinubu administration’s handling of the nation’s critical energy sector. As the debate over fuel subsidy and refinery operations continues, the pressure mounts on the government to provide clear and honest answers to the Nigerian people.
PIONEER NEWS 