7th June 2024
The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the National Assembly to investigate the alleged secret petrol subsidy under the President Bola Tinubu administration, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
In a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Thursday, Atiku urged the Federal Government to take responsibility for its policies and their consequences, addressing the public with honesty about the situation.
Atiku’s demand for an investigation follows reports and leaked documents showing that the Federal Government spent N3.6 trillion on subsidies in 2023 and projected an expenditure of N5.4 trillion in 2024. These figures starkly contrast with President Tinubu’s declaration during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, that “subsidy is gone.”
Despite President Tinubu’s public stance on subsidy removal, Atiku accused the administration of secretly disbursing vast sums for subsidies, alleging a lack of transparency and diversion of public funds. Atiku emphasized that this clandestine subsidy regime has deterred investments in the oil sector.
Atiku also highlighted contradictions within the administration, pointing out that while President Tinubu claimed the subsidy was removed, his Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, mentioned periodic interventions, and Finance Minister Wale Edun described subsidy removal as an “ongoing process.” Furthermore, a document by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy detailing subsidy payments has been disowned by its authors, adding to the confusion.
The Presidency, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, denied the existence of the subsidy payments. However, Atiku argued that both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have reported ongoing petrol subsidies in Nigeria, which the Tinubu administration has not addressed transparently.
Atiku criticized the government’s policy inconsistencies and lack of accountability, urging the National Assembly to prioritize investigating this issue over trivial matters. He warned that continued oversight failures would be a disservice to Nigerians.
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, echoed Atiku’s concerns, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of deceit and corruption. The PDP demanded clarity from President Tinubu, calling for a public inquiry into the reported N5.4 trillion fuel subsidy.
The PDP also highlighted the impact of the subsidy removal on Nigerians, pointing out the severe economic hardship, poverty, and infrastructural decay exacerbated by the government’s actions. The party demanded answers on the specifics of the subsidy payments, including the responsible agencies, criteria for payment, and why petrol prices remain high despite ongoing subsidies.
Finally, the PDP called on President Tinubu to address the nation, review his economic team, and ensure capable leadership to combat corruption and restore public trust in his administration.
