Ex Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made a startling allegation, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of secretly diverting public funds through petrol subsidy.
Atiku’s claim is based on the government’s refusal to disclose the amount spent on subsidy, which he believes is a clear indication of wrongdoing.
In a statement released by his spokesman Paul Ibe, Atiku criticized the presidency’s stance on fuel subsidy, accusing Tinubu of bringing his “shady” governance style from Lagos to the federal level. He pointed out conflicting statements from government officials, including the Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, and the Finance Minister, Wale Edun, which he believes further highlights the administration’s lack of transparency.
Atiku also cited reports from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicating that Nigeria is still paying petrol subsidies, despite the government’s claims to the contrary. He argued that Tinubu’s refusal to come clean on the subsidy issue is not only a breach of trust but also a deterrent to potential foreign investors.
“The Tinubu administration’s secrecy and flip-flopping on subsidy removal is a recipe for disaster,” Atiku said. “For a government that claims to be attracting foreign direct investment, it is ironic that they cannot see that their policy flip-flops and lies are capable of dissuading investors.”
Atiku called on the National Assembly to investigate the matter, emphasizing the need for accountability and oversight to prevent “daylight robbery” of public funds. He urged the legislature to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over political loyalty, saying, “Posterity will not be kind to members of the National Assembly if they continue to look the other way while daylight robbery is taking place.”
This development highlights the ongoing debate over fuel subsidy in Nigeria, with Atiku’s accusations adding to the scrutiny of Tinubu’s economic policies. As the country grapples with economic challenges, the controversy surrounding fuel subsidy has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability in government.
