Chief Bode George, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed concern over the confusion surrounding the status of Nigeria’s petrol subsidy. He urged the Federal Government to be transparent and honest with the public about whether subsidies on premium motor spirit (PMS) are still in place.
Speaking from his office in Ikoyi, Lagos State, George criticized the inconsistent messages from the government regarding the subsidy. He noted that the fluctuating positions have left Nigerians uncertain about the true situation, emphasizing that citizens deserve clarity on such a crucial issue.
“The Federal Government needs to be transparent,” George stated. “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’s comments follow assertions by Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, who claimed that the Federal Government was still covertly paying for the subsidy despite President Bola Tinubu’s announcement in May 2023 that it had been removed.
In addition to his concerns about the subsidy, George also criticized the government’s decision to sell crude oil to Dangote’s refinery in naira rather than in foreign currency. He warned that this policy could further destabilize Nigeria’s already fragile economy, which heavily relies on foreign currency from crude oil sales to bolster its external reserves.
“This decision to sell crude in naira is a ticking time bomb,” George said. “Crude oil is our major income generator, bringing 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.”
George’s call for transparency reflects growing public demand for clear and consistent information from the government on critical economic policies.
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