Atiku Abubakar Criticizes President Tinubu Over Subsidy Policy Shift

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a fresh critique against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, focusing on the ongoing subsidy payments for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. Atiku’s criticism follows President Tinubu’s recent approval for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to utilize 2023 dividends owed to the federation for subsidizing petrol, a move that Atiku finds contradictory.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, the former vice president expressed deep concern over this development, labeling it as another instance of opaque governance under Tinubu’s leadership. He highlighted the inconsistency between the president’s recent decision and his earlier national broadcast, where Tinubu had announced the termination of all subsidy payments. Atiku Abubakar argued that such discrepancies not only erode the credibility of the administration but also undermine the moral authority of President Tinubu’s leadership. This, according to Atiku, represents a troubling shift in governance transparency.

Atiku Abubakar’s Criticism of Delayed Refinery Operations

Beyond the subsidy issue, Atiku Abubakar also directed his criticism at the delays in the re-operation of the Port Harcourt Refinery. He described the situation as a national disgrace, attributing the ongoing failure to President Tinubu’s dual role as both the President of Nigeria and the Minister of Petroleum Resources. According to Atiku, the delays in refinery operations have exacerbated the challenges faced by Nigerians, who are already struggling with fuel shortages and skyrocketing prices.

The former vice president’s statements come at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with the harsh economic realities brought on by the fuel crisis. Atiku Abubakar emphasized that the persistent denials by NNPC Limited concerning the true state of the refinery and subsidy payments only deepen the nation’s fuel woes. He called for a swift resolution to these issues, urging the Tinubu administration to prioritize the reactivation of the Port Harcourt Refinery to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

Contradictions and Concerns Over Subsidy Policies

Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the most recent election, has been vocal about his apprehensions regarding the current administration’s approach to subsidy payments. He noted that even before this latest announcement, there had been consistent signs of a resurgence in subsidy payments, albeit through less transparent methods. According to Atiku Abubakar, the discrepancy between President Tinubu’s public statements and the actions of his administration has created confusion and distrust among Nigerians.

He argued that this lack of consistency not only weakens the public’s trust in the government but also raises questions about the administration’s commitment to its stated policies. Atiku Abubakar’s criticism is rooted in a broader concern that the continued subsidy payments are being handled in a manner that lacks transparency and accountability, further complicating the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians who are already dealing with high fuel prices and shortages.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability in the Petroleum Sector

In addition to his criticisms of the subsidy policy, Atiku Abubakar also took aim at the delays in re-operating the Port Harcourt refinery, labeling the situation a national disgrace. He placed the blame squarely on President Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources. Atiku argued that the failure to get the refinery operational has exacerbated the ongoing fuel shortages and contributed to the rising cost of PMS in the country.

Atiku further criticized the persistent denials by NNPC Limited, which he claimed have worsened the difficulties faced by Nigerians. He expressed concern over President Tinubu’s silence amid the ongoing disputes between local investors who favor refinery operations and those who advocate for importing PMS. Atiku called on the President to take responsibility for resolving these critical issues in order to safeguard national interests. He emphasized the need for greater transparency in the downstream petroleum sector and urged the Tinubu administration to provide clarity on the complexities surrounding the subsidy policy and PMS refini