Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for continuing to pay subsidies on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), despite earlier declarations that the subsidy regime had ended. Atiku’s criticism follows Tinubu’s approval of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) request to use the 2023 dividends for subsidizing petrol.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, Atiku described the move as another instance of opaque governance under the current administration. He pointed out the contradiction between Tinubu’s recent actions and his earlier national broadcast where he announced the end of the subsidy regime.
Atiku, who was the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the recent election, highlighted that there have been consistent signs of a resurgence in subsidy payments through less transparent methods. He argued that this discrepancy undermines Tinubu’s moral authority and erodes the credibility of his leadership.
Additionally, Atiku criticized the delays in re-operating the Port Harcourt refinery, calling it a national disgrace and holding President Tinubu responsible, as he also serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources. He expressed concern over the ongoing fuel shortages, escalating prices, and the President’s silence amid disputes between local investors favoring refinery operations and those advocating for imported PMS.
Atiku urged President Tinubu to take responsibility for resolving these critical issues, emphasizing the need for transparency in the downstream petroleum sector and calling for clarity on the complexities surrounding the subsidy policy and PMS refining.
