Presidency Critiques Atiku's Conflicting Subsidy Stance

The Presidency has criticized former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for what it termed conflicting positions on petrol subsidy, indicating a lack of clarity in his policy proposal. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, released a statement on Wednesday, asserting that Atiku's stance had changed three times within a week.

Initially, Atiku's spokesperson, Paul Ibe, stated that he would restore petrol subsidy if elected, later suggesting a phase-out. Another aide, Phrank Shaibu, called Ibe's statement "unauthorized," claiming the subsidy would remain until domestic refining improved and supply stabilized.

Atiku later reaffirmed his position, stating he would restore a targeted subsidy. Onanuga questioned the discrepancies in the aides' statements and demanded clarity on the proposed subsidy, including its cost, beneficiaries, and funding mechanism.

He also rejected Atiku's oversimplification of the relationship between petrol prices and living costs, citing various influencing factors.