Phrank Shaibu, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has ignited a firestorm by accusing the Nigerian government of secretly reinstating petrol subsidies. This accusation, coupled with the government’s deafening silence on the matter, has raised concerns about financial mismanagement and potential corruption.
Shaibu’s alarm bells, according to various reports, began ringing after reports emerged suggesting the government was once again paying petrol subsidies, exceeding the amount allocated under the previous administration.
In a statement issued on Monday, he pointed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)’s failure to remit required funds to the government as evidence of a hidden subsidy scheme, alleging that funds are being diverted through an opaque system.
“Tinubu boasted about ending petrol subsidies, even claiming a Guinness World Record for it,” Shaibu said. “But now it seems that was just another lie. The price disparity between diesel and petrol is another glaring indicator. Where else in the world is petrol so much cheaper than diesel?”
The accusation doesn’t stop there. Shaibu questions the government’s silence on the issue, suggesting it’s a deliberate attempt to cover up the subsidy’s return. He criticizes Finance Minister Wale Edun and CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso for their lack of transparency, claiming they’ve prioritized personal interests over national well-being.
Furthermore, Shaibu expresses disappointment with the government’s handling of the Dangote refinery project, which could have significantly reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel. He claims lingering approvals have stalled the refinery’s ability to release aviation fuel and diesel, further exacerbating the nation’s fuel woes.
“With Tinubu and his so-called economic team at the helm, Nigeria’s economic woes are about to go from bad to worse,” Shaibu concluded.
