Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, has accused the Bola Tinubu-led administration of “daylight robbery” over the fuel subsidy regime. He alleged that the government is diverting public funds through petrol subsidy and refusing to reveal the amount spent on subsidy.
Atiku urged the National Assembly to investigate the matter, warning that posterity will not be kind to them if they fail to act. He stated that the National Assembly needs to be alive to its responsibilities, especially in the area of oversight, and that members will be held accountable for their inaction.
The former Vice President’s statement comes after the Presidency denied plans to spend N5.4 trillion on fuel subsidy in 2024. However, the PDP demanded a public inquiry into the matter, calling the Tinubu administration corrupt and deceitful.
Atiku criticized the government’s clandestine subsidy regime, saying it discourages investment in the oil sector. He accused Tinubu of bringing his “shady” governance style from Lagos to the federal level. The former VP pointed out that the government’s denial of the subsidy allegations suggests diversion of funds meant for the Federation Account, which ought to be shared among states and local governments.
Atiku called for accountability and transparency in the administration’s policies, urging Tinubu to come clean on the subsidy issue. He stated that the government’s actions are capable of dissuading investors and that the President must be courageous enough to own up to his policies and their outcomes.
The PDP also reacted to the Presidency’s claim, demanding that President Tinubu personally address Nigerians and order a public inquiry into the reported N5.4 trillion fuel subsidy. The party’s national publicity secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba, stated that the revelation confirms the PDP’s stance that the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration is corrupt and deceitful.
