Kenneth Okonkwo Accuses Government of Fuel Subsidy Deception

Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, accused Taiwo Oyedele, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, of misleading Nigerians about the government's recent petrol discount. During an appearance on Channels Television, Okonkwo stated that the Tinubu administration had effectively reintroduced fuel subsidy while denying it.

He pointed out that the reduction of petrol prices from approximately ₦1,500 to ₦1,350 per litre constituted a subsidy, as it was intended to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians. Okonkwo emphasized that the government's intervention acknowledged the unbearable cost of living for citizens.

He argued that the measure met the definition of a subsidy, which is financial assistance aimed at reducing costs. Okonkwo criticized the administration for its reluctance to label the intervention as a subsidy, despite its clear implications.

He also referenced Atiku Abubakar's call for measures to ease hardship for Nigerians, regardless of their terminology.