Bode George, a senior figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to be transparent with Nigerians regarding the status of the fuel subsidy. George, who previously served as the PDP’s deputy national chairman, expressed concern over conflicting reports about whether the government is still covertly subsidising fuel.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, George criticised the lack of clarity from the Tinubu administration, particularly in light of allegations that the government may be spending more on subsidies now than before. These claims have been echoed by former governors Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State.
The debate over fuel subsidy resurfaced after the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed that Nigeria currently spends $600 million on fuel imports each month. However, George insisted that Nigerians have the right to know the truth about the situation.
“I’m so miffed about the goings-on in this particular industry,” George said. “On one side, you hear the subsidy is still there; on another, you hear there is no subsidy. Who is telling the truth? Let us know the truth, for God’s sake. It is our fundamental right, and if the people know what the truth is, they will support you to succeed.”
George further emphasised the need for transparency, noting that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is owned by the federal government, and therefore, by all Nigerians. “We want to know what exactly is going on there. I’m not in that field of operation, but I’m educated enough to listen to A and listen to B and then conclude in my mind. If there is a need to support the operations or the policies of the government, we will, and if there are shortfalls in what they are telling us, we will say so,” George added.
As speculation continues to swirl, George’s demand for clarity highlights growing public concern over the administration’s handling of the fuel subsidy issue, which has long been a contentious topic in Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.
