Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Continuing Fuel Subsidy Despite Claims of Its Removal

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for allegedly continuing the fuel subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) despite previous claims that it had been terminated.

In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Atiku condemned the lack of transparency in Tinubu’s administration regarding the fuel subsidy, especially in light of recent reports suggesting its continuation.

The former Vice President argued that the inconsistency between Tinubu’s statements and actions has severely damaged the credibility of his administration. He pointed to the ongoing fuel scarcity and the rising cost of energy as clear evidence of the government’s failure. Additionally, Atiku described the delays in re-operating the Port Harcourt refinery as a national embarrassment.

Atiku further criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for denying ongoing subsidy payments, stating that these denials only add to the hardships faced by Nigerians. He called on the Tinubu administration to urgently clarify its position on the subsidy policy and to address the persistent issues in the downstream petroleum sector.

Atiku’s statement reads: “The latest revelations circulating through credible media outlets regarding the federal government’s covert continuation of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) represent another chapter in the opaque governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This development starkly contrasts with the President’s firm assertions in a national broadcast, which followed closely on the heels of public protests decrying poor governance, where he declared the subsidy regime concluded. However, disclosures prior to his announcement have consistently indicated a resurgence of subsidy payments, albeit through less transparent means.

“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. At a time when the nation grapples with severe fuel scarcity and escalating energy costs, the continued delays in the re-operation of the Port Harcourt refinery stand as a national disgrace — a failure that rests firmly on the shoulders of President Tinubu, who also holds the office of the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

“Moreover, the persistent denials by NNPC Limited only exacerbate the plight of Nigerians, who endure severe difficulties due to fuel shortages and resultant price inflations. Amidst a contentious dispute between local investors favouring refinery operations and those advocating for imported PMS, the President’s silence is profoundly disconcerting.

“It is paramount that the President, who is intrinsically responsible for overseeing and intervening in such critical disputes to safeguard national interests, steps up to fulfil these expectations. The veil of secrecy shrouding the downstream petroleum sector, coupled with alarming reports of NNPC Limited diverting funds intended for other purposes to cover subsidy payments, adds layers of confusion that are unbearably unsettling.

“If these reports hold true, they portend grave implications for the integrity of our fiscal federalism. It is imperative, therefore, that the Tinubu administration urgently clarifies the entanglements surrounding the subsidy policy and the refining of PMS. Only through transparent governance can Nigerians hope to find relief from the current debilitating conditions of fuel scarcity and the spiralling inflation affecting petroleum products.”