Chief Bode George, a senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged the Federal Government to maintain transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector, particularly concerning fuel subsidies. He expressed concerns over the government’s inconsistent statements regarding the removal of the subsidy on premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, which he believes has left Nigerians in a state of confusion.
According to our correspondent report, ongoing debates and speculation have persisted since President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the PMS subsidy in May 2023. However, on June 5, 2024, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, claimed in a post on X.com that the Federal Government was still secretly funding the subsidy.
Speaking from his office in Ikoyi, Lagos State, on Thursday, Chief George stressed that Nigerians have the right to be fully informed about the situation in the oil sector.
“The Federal Government needs to be transparent. One day, we’re told there’s a subsidy, and the next, it’s gone—Nigerians deserve the truth,” George said, highlighting the confusion caused by the government’s inconsistent positions.
He also criticized the government’s decision to sell crude oil to Dangote’s refinery in naira, warning that this could further destabilize the country’s already fragile economy. “This decision to sell crude in naira is a ticking time bomb,” George stated, noting that such a policy could severely impact Nigeria’s foreign currency reserves, which are already under strain.
