Former Presidential Candidate Criticizes President Tinubu’s Handling Of CNG

….Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s approach to the recommendation for Nigerians to switch from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for their vehicles. Adebayo highlighted the lack of leadership by example, asserting that while the government suggests CNG adoption, its own vehicles continue to run on petrol.

Adebayo stressed that President Tinubu should set an example by converting government vehicles to CNG if he expects the citizens to adopt the alternative fuel.

Following the fuel subsidy removal and subsequent increase in petrol prices, the government proposed the adoption of CNG as a more affordable alternative. However, Adebayo noted that the government has failed to outline a clear policy on CNG adoption or provide guidance on how to implement it effectively.

He expressed concern over the lack of a comprehensive white paper or articulated plan for poverty alleviation, stating that this approach is not suitable for governing in the current era.

Adebayo pointed out that there are three ways to address the impacts of subsidy removal: providing alternatives such as CNG, focusing on economic policies, and addressing cost-push inflation. He criticized the current administration for not prioritizing the troubled economy and focusing solely on settling into office.

Regarding the N5 billion palliative distributed to each of the 36 states for citizens in response to fuel subsidy removal, Adebayo questioned the sustainability of such policies. He suggested that the government should create a fund to lower prices instead of providing temporary handouts as palliatives.