ABUJA — The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to explain what it described as shifting positions on fuel subsidy and the reform of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) across different election cycles.
National President of GOMEP-NG, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, made the call yesterday, urging Nigerians to carefully scrutinise the policy positions of political leaders, particularly on issues with far-reaching consequences for the economy and citizens’ welfare.
Otiti recalled that during the 2015 election period, Atiku was associated with criticism of the subsidy regime, while in 2019, he advocated the removal of subsidy and the sale of the NNPC.
He further noted that Atiku’s 2023 position also favoured the immediate removal of fuel subsidy and reforms to the NNPC as measures to tackle corruption and improve efficiency in the petroleum sector.
However, Otiti questioned what he described as a significant shift in Atiku’s position in 2026, following renewed calls for the return of fuel subsidy.
“Every election cycle, Nigerians hear different policy promises. The issue is not about personalities; it is about consistency and what is in the long-term interest of Nigeria.
“Let Nigerians endure the harsh reforms of Mr President, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are already getting used to the reality of fuel subsidy removal. What Nigerians need now is for government to ensure that the sacrifices being made translate into tangible improvements in their lives,” he said.
The GOMEP-NG president urged Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and carefully examine the economic implications of returning to a subsidy regime.
According to him, although subsidy removal has imposed significant hardship on households and businesses, reversing the policy without addressing the structural challenges in the petroleum sector could place additional pressure on public finances.
Otiti also called on the Federal Government to intensify measures aimed at cushioning the impact of the reforms on vulnerable Nigerians, stressing that economic policies must ultimately translate into improved living standards.
He said GOMEP-NG would continue to promote public debate on major national policies while holding political leaders accountable for their statements, promises and policy positions.
Discover more from NATIONAL BEAM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
