accuses Tinubu of Copying His Subsidy Proposal
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of adopting his proposed fuel subsidy policy after previously dismissing it, describing the president as a student who copies another person’s answer but expects credit for original thinking.
Atiku, in a strongly worded message directed at Tinubu, criticised the Federal Government’s fuel discount initiative, arguing that it failed to address the underlying challenges associated with the rising cost of fuel.
He said the government had made life difficult for Nigerians under the guise of economic reforms.
“Atiku said when I proposed targeted support to ease fuel costs, you called me ignorant of economic policy. Your government said it cannot be done,” he stated.
The former vice-president argued that Tinubu’s administration had now embraced the principle it previously rejected, insisting that the president owed him an apology.
He, however, faulted the implementation of the initiative, alleging that the government had adopted his production subsidy proposal without incorporating the measures required to make it effective.
“Bola, you have borrowed the idea but missed the lesson,” Atiku said.
He likened Tinubu’s approach to that of a student who copied a classmate’s answer during an examination but failed to understand the solution.
According to him, while there was nothing wrong with adopting the proposal, the administration had stripped it of the critical elements needed to achieve its intended objectives.
Atiku also questioned the duration of the fuel discount, describing the 30-day arrangement as inadequate to provide meaningful relief to Nigerians.
He challenged the president to explain the rationale behind the policy and how the government intended to sustain its impact beyond the initial period.
The exchange highlights the continuing debate over the Federal Government’s fuel pricing policies and the measures required to cushion the economic effects of rising energy costs on households and businesses.