Quiz Oyedele, Edun over N12trn subsidy savings – APM tasks EFCC

The Allied Peoples’ Movement, APM, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate an alleged N12 trillion discrepancy in savings from petrol subsidy removal, and question key officials, including Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and his predecessor, Wale Edun.

The party said the figures raise a straightforward question: if Oyedele put the savings at N15.8 trillion, how did earlier government figures under Edun indicate about $20 billion, or N27 trillion, had been saved as of November 2024?

The demand was contained in a statement by APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, who said the discrepancy must be fully accounted for.

“The APM therefore petitions the EFCC to investigate the N12 trillion discrepancy by inviting the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, his predecessors in office, Wale Edun as well as officials of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources for questioning,” Yusuf said.

APM also urged the National Assembly to conduct an open inquest into the alleged discrepancy, insisting that Nigerians deserve an account of the subsidy savings.

The party said the N12 trillion difference would be enough to build a 250,000 to 300,000 barrels-per-day refinery, with potential to create jobs, attract ancillary investments and help reduce petroleum prices.

It also said the money could fund about 1,000 kilometres of standard railway linking Lagos, Abuja and other parts of the country, easing transportation, boosting commerce and reducing pressure on roads.

“It is therefore disheartening that due to sheer greed, avarice and incurable corruption of the APC, Nigerians have been denied these life-enhancing benefits,” the party said.

APM alleged that the discrepancy had reinforced concerns over the alleged diversion of subsidy savings by corrupt officials and associates of the Tinubu administration.

The party vowed to continue demanding accountability until every kobo from the subsidy savings is accounted for.