By Umar Umar
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has urged the federal government to be transparent about the true state of the nation’s oil sector. He emphasized the need for honesty and clarity, calling on authorities to provide Nigerians with accurate information regarding the challenges and developments within the industry. George stressed that only by confronting the realities of the sector can effective solutions be implemented to address the country’s ongoing energy concerns.
Chief George has urged President Bola Tinubu to clarify whether the Federal Government is still subsidizing the oil sector, as conflicting reports have left many Nigerians uncertain about the situation. Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at his Ikoyi office in Lagos on Thursday, Chief George emphasized the need for transparency, stating that the lack of clear information has created confusion among the public regarding the government’s current stance on oil subsidies.
He emphasized the need for transparency from the government regarding Aliko Dangote’s claim of paying $100 million to the Lagos State government for the land where his Lekki refinery is situated. He added that the public deserves to know who profited from this transaction, as the details are of significant public interest.
Chief George also faults the decision of the federal government to sell crude oil to Dangote refinery in Naira, saying such move will lead to the destruction of the economy, because crude oil is the only major means of income which generate foreign currency to the Federal government and which is used to build external reserves
Bode George emphasized the need for clarification after Dangote asserted that he had paid the Lagos State government for land in Lekki. George noted that landowners in the area are upset, claiming their land was taken unjustly and without compensation. He highlighted the growing tension among the Lekki landowners, who feel their rights have been disregarded in the process.
He expressed concern that Nigeria’s foreign reserves have significantly dwindled recently, and the nation’s external debt has reached alarming levels. He questioned how the government plans to repay this mounting debt if it begins selling crude oil to local buyers in Naira instead of earning foreign currency.
Chief George expressed deep concern over a recent statement by the Managing Director of NNPLC, who indicated that he would speak “at the appropriate time.” Chief George found this remark troubling, particularly in light of the ongoing confusion in the oil sector. He pointed out the inconsistency in government communication, noting that one day the public is told there is a subsidy on fuel, and the next day, they are informed that the subsidy has been removed.
Nigerians are left in the dark about developments in that sector, lacking the comprehensive briefings they need to stay informed.
“Subsidy, no subsidy which one should we believe, where is the truth.
“Aliko Dangote said he gave $100 million to buy all that land in Lekki,which of my people in Lekki has benefited from that money, or the government just grabbed the money and those people are thrown out of the environment, is it right?
“What i think went on last week is just a tip on the iceberg, the truth will come up one day.
“My perception of the oil sector of our country is very disappointing, who is the Minister of petroleum?Who is the Chairman of NNPCL? Akinyelure from Ondo State.
“Kyari made a statement yesterday (Wednesday), that is very worrisome . He said at the right time he would talk.Which right time? Rome is burning, the Emperor is sleeping,which other right time will he talk?
“As an elder statesman, I can’t just keep quiet,we have the young generation, they are restless, and what is happening in the North is a reflection of the restlessness of the youths.”
Similarly, Chief George has pointed to the government’s communication failures as the root cause of the national protests. He argues that the administration’s inability to convey its policies clearly and consistently has ignited widespread discontent and unrest throughout the country.
“Those who went round to protest did so out of frustration, because they don’t get feedback from government, because it is their constitutional right for government officials to always give them feedback on what is going on, because they elected the people into power.”
” I thank those who went out and protest peacefully. It is their constitutional right especially in a democratic dispensation”, Bode George said.
