Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni criticized the Federal Government, accusing the administration of hypocrisy over its proposed 30-day gasoline discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) stations.
Speaking Friday on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, Oseni countered remarks by Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele that the policy is not a subsidy, arguing instead that the price reduction effectively marks a return to fuel subsidies.
He questioned why an administration that had consistently rejected restoring gasoline subsidies chose to introduce the 30-day discount now, particularly as the 2027 general elections draw near.
Oseni also credited former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for bringing national focus to the need to alleviate the burden of rising fuel prices.
He recalled Atiku’s September 18 address, in which the former vice president suggested that President Bola Tinubu could rebrand and claim credit for any price relief measure, provided it alleviated public suffering.
Oseni noted that despite the global surge in crude oil prices since March 8, the administration had failed to deploy adequate relief measures for citizens.
He added that the decision to offer a temporary discount demonstrates that government intervention to ease public hardship is feasible, contradicting its previous arguments against restoring fuel relief.
Oseni said: “Subsidy is back. Welcome back, subsidy. The fact that the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, says it’s not a subsidy does not mean it’s not a subsidy.
“Read my lips. It is a subsidy, and it is back. Who do we have to thank? Atiku Abubakar. I never knew there would be a day I would thank you, Atiku Abubakar.
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Backstory…
On Thursday, October 8, the Federal Government announced a 30-day discount on petrol dispensed through Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets, introducing the relief package as part of a temporary measure to ease high fuel costs and stabilize pump prices.
Speaking at a news conference on fuel pricing and subsidy dynamics on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, stated that public transporters will receive priority under the program.
However, since making the announcement, several political figures have rejected the move.
Also reacting, Makinde’s Allied Peoples Movement Presidential Campaign Organisation described the intervention as deceptive and inadequate.
Read Also: Petrol Price- FG Offers 30-Day Discount On Fuel Sold At NNPC Stations
