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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has urged President Bola Tinubu to apologise to Nigerians over the removal of petrol subsidy in 2023.
Frank, in a statement, said government plan to give 30-day fuel subsidy at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets, with priority given to public transport operatorsoperators, has exposed the alleged inconsistencies of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He noted that the government owes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar an apology for criticising his proposal to implement a production subsidy on petroleum products, if elected President.
The former APC deputy spokesman, who was reacting to Federal Government 30-fuel discount,insisted that Nigerians deserved lasting relief from the economic hardship that followed the policy’s removal in 2023.
According to him, “We expect Tinubu and his government to first apologise to Atiku Abubakar for its previous attacks on his position to return fuel subsidy if voted into office as President.
“Secondly, he should commend him and thank him for what we consider an excellent proposal that could help address the current economic hardship facing Nigerians.
“Rather than dismissing his proposal, the government should recognise its potential to provide relief to Nigerians who are struggling with the prevailing economic situation.
“Any government genuinely committed to the welfare of the people should be willing to consider practical ideas that can ease their suffering, irrespective of who puts them forward. ”
Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, however, questioned the distinction between the fuel discount and the subsidy arrangement previously abolished by the administration, arguing that the new measure amounted to a reversal of its earlier hardline position.
“Simply put, Tinubu, who maintained a hardline stance on fuel subsidy removal, has gone back to his vomit. The President must immediately apologise to Nigerians over the fuel subsidy removal now that he has realised his policy mistake, which has taken a huge toll on Nigerians economically since 2023.”
Frank also questioned whether the temporary intervention would provide meaningful relief to Nigerians who have struggled with rising transportation costs, food prices and shrinking purchasing power since the subsidy was removed.
He said the policy change in May 2023 had affected households and businesses across the country, with higher petrol prices feeding into the cost of transporting goods, running businesses and meeting basic household needs.
“For millions of Nigerians, the consequences of higher fuel prices have extended beyond the cost of filling a vehicle’s tank. Increased transport and logistics costs have put pressure on traders, manufacturers, farmers and small businesses, while households have had to contend with rising expenses for commuting, food and other necessities,” Frank said.
