The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has leveled serious allegations against the Bola Tinubu administration, accusing it of diverting public funds through a clandestine petrol subsidy scheme.
Atiku’s accusations come in response to a statement from the presidency refuting his earlier claims regarding the subsidy.
In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the government’s expenditure on petrol subsidy, alleging that the administration is surreptitiously funneling trillions of Naira into subsidizing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
Highlighting the secretive nature of the subsidy regime, Atiku criticized the government’s failure to disclose the true extent of subsidy payments.
He pointed out contradictions within the administration’s statements, citing instances where officials acknowledged ongoing intervention in the subsidy process despite claims of its removal.
Atiku emphasized the detrimental impact of such opacity on investment in the oil sector, calling on the Tinubu administration to take responsibility for its policies and be held accountable to the Nigerian people.
He urged transparency in disclosing subsidy expenditures, particularly considering Tinubu’s role as petroleum minister.
“This denial lends credence that money meant for the Federation Account, which ought to be shared to states and local governments, is being diverted without any form of accountability whatsoever,” Atiku asserted.
He further called upon the National Assembly to fulfill its oversight responsibilities and investigate the matter thoroughly, emphasizing the importance of holding the administration accountable for its actions.
Atiku warned against overlooking issues of financial mismanagement, stressing the long-term repercussions of allowing such practices to continue unchecked.
“The National Assembly needs to be alive to its responsibilities, especially in the area of oversight. 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,” Atiku concluded.
Atiku’s allegations underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, urging authorities to uphold these principles in managing public funds.