Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has called on the Federal Government to provide clarity on the true state of the country’s oil sector, amid conflicting reports about whether or not fuel subsidies are still being paid.
Speaking with journalists at his office in Ikoyi, Lagos, George also urged the government to address claims made by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of the Dangote Group, who stated that he paid $100 million to the Lagos State government for the acquisition of approximately 7,000 acres of land in Lekki, where his refinery is located.
George emphasized that the public deserves to know who benefitted from this transaction, especially since the local community and landowners in Lekki have expressed anger over the alleged unjust takeover of their land.
George criticized the Federal Government’s decision to sell crude oil to Dangote’s refinery in Naira, warning that such a move could harm the economy.
He noted that crude oil is Nigeria’s primary source of foreign currency, which is vital for building the country’s external reserves.
He also expressed concern over a recent statement by the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari, who said he would speak on the matter at the “right time,” describing the remark as highly troubling.
“In the oil sector, one day you hear there is a subsidy, the next day there isn’t. Nigerians deserve to know the truth about what is happening.
“Aliko Dangote claimed he paid $100 million for land in Lekki, but which of my people in Lekki benefited from that money? Was it just taken by the government, leaving those people displaced? Is that right?” George said
George voiced his disappointment with the management of the oil sector, questioning the roles and accountability of key figures, including the Minister of Petroleum and the Chairman of NNPCL.
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He also expressed concern over the ongoing nationwide protests, particularly in the North, attributing the unrest to the government’s failure to communicate effectively with the public about its policies.
“As an elder statesman, I cannot remain silent while witnessing this situation.
The younger generation is restless, and what we are seeing in the North is a manifestation of that frustration.
“Those protesting are doing so out of frustration, because they aren’t receiving any feedback from the government. It is the constitutional duty of government officials to keep the public informed, as they were elected into office by the people,” George stated.
