A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has lamented the confusing situation on the petrol subsidy by the presidency.
The PDP Chieftain, therefore, called for transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector. He called on the Federal Government to be honest with Nigerians regarding the payment of fuel subsidies.
He said, “The back-and-forth position of the Federal Government on the removal of subsidy on premium motor spirit, popularly called petrol, has thrown Nigerians into confusion.
The former National Deputy Chairman stated that Nigerians deserve to know the truth about the petroleum subsidy.
Recall that there is ongoing speculations and debates regarding whether the Federal Government has removed the subsidy on PMS or not. Recall also that President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023 during his inauguration as President of Nigeria, announced the removal of fuel subsidy.
However, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the 2023 presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku Abubakar, contradicted the President. He asserted in a post on X.com that the Federal Government was still covertly paying for the subsidy.
Following the conflicting situations on the subsidy removal, the former PDP Deputy National Chairman, on Thursday, said Nigerians have the right to know.
He said, “Nigerians have the right to know the true state of affairs in the sector.
Speaking at his office in Ikoyi, Lagos State, he said, “The Federal Government needs to be transparent.
“One day, we’re told there’s a subsidy, and the next day, it’s gone. Nigerians deserve the truth.
“This constant back-and-forth is confusing. Where is the transparency? Who can we trust?” George questioned.
The former Nigeria Ports Authority Chairman also criticized the Federal Government’s decision to sell crude oil to Dangote’s refinery in Naira. He described it as disastrous for the country’s already volatile economy.
“This decision to sell crude in Naira is a ticking time bomb. Crude oil is our major income generator. It brings in foreign currency that bolsters our external reserves.”
“But now, our reserves are already depleted. And this policy could be the final nail in the coffin of our economy,” he said.
source: PUNCH
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