Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has once again tackled President Bola Tinubu over the continued payment of subsidies on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, and issuance of contrary statements against it.
This is coming after the president gave approval to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s, NNPCL, to use the 2023 dividends due to the federation for subsidising petrol.
Reacting to the development in a post on his Verified Facebook page, Atiku expressed concern over the latest developments, describing them as another chapter of opaque governance under the current administration.
He pointed out that the decision contradicts the President’s earlier assertion in a national broadcast, where he announced an end to subsidy payment.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate in the 2023 election accused Tinubu’s government of paying subsidies, through less transparent methods.
“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 decried the delays in the re-operation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, calling it a national disgrace.
He attributed the failure to President Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
Furthermore, Atiku pointed out that the persistent denials by NNPC Limited worsened the difficulties faced by Nigerians due to fuel shortages and escalating prices.
He expressed concern over the President’s silence amid reports of NNPCL diverting funds to cover subsidy payment.
Atiku called on President Tinubu to take responsibility for fixing those critical issues to relieve Nigerians from fuel scarcity and inflation.
