Tinubu’s Comments On Petrol And CNG Criticized As Tone-Deaf

Tinubu’s Comments On Petrol And CNG Criticized As Tone-Deaf
On October 22, President Bola Tinubu presented Nigerians with a stark choice: pay N1000 per litre for petrol or opt for cheaper compressed natural gas (CNG) at N200. This statement came during a meeting with members of the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Many have criticized Tinubu’s comments as insensitivity at its worst, reflecting a leader out of touch with the struggles of his people. His previous remarks, such as “Let the poor breathe,” have been similarly dismissed as hollow, and his assertion that “Nigerians deserve better” stands in stark contrast to the harsh realities faced by citizens under his policies. His reference to the “struggles many of you face” during his October 1 speech only further illustrated his disconnect.

Tinubu’s choice of fuel options can be likened to what novelist Frederick Forsyth termed the devil’s alternative—both options are undesirable. It’s misleading to assert that petrol costs N1000 a litre; many consumers are still paying upwards of N1500, despite the opening of the Dangote refinery. The high cost has forced private car owners to leave their vehicles at home, while commercial transporters pass on expenses to passengers, affecting nearly every sector from food vendors to service providers. Since Tinubu took office, the price of petrol has skyrocketed from under N200 per litre to as high as N2000, exacerbating inflation and diminishing the purchasing power of the naira.

By framing the issue as a choice between costly petrol and cheaper gas, Tinubu reveals a troubling lack of empathy for the hardship faced by everyday Nigerians. His policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies at his inauguration, have contributed significantly to rising energy costs. The naira’s subsequent devaluation has only worsened the situation.

While the Tinubu administration promotes CNG as a cleaner, more affordable energy alternative, the transition poses its own challenges. The conversion of existing petrol and diesel vehicles to CNG is costly, with expenses exceeding N1 million, a sum few commercial drivers can afford. Safety concerns have also arisen from substandard conversion practices, as highlighted by a recent incident in Edo State. Additionally, there are only about 50 conversion centers nationwide, most located in state capitals, leaving vehicle owners in smaller communities at a disadvantage. CNG is also unsuitable for vehicles older than ten years, raising further safety concerns.

Perhaps most troubling is the lack of leadership by example. Government officials continue to rely on petrol for their vehicles, a stark contrast to the burdens placed on ordinary citizens. This disparity underscores a troubling divide: austerity measures impact the general populace, while those in power remain insulated from the consequences of their policies. This ongoing disconnect reflects a broader issue within the administration, one that continues to resonate with the Nigerian people.

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