By Milcah Tanimu
Sunny Onuesoke, a leading member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Delta State, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu for failing to address the pressing issue of Nigeria’s refineries. Onuesoke claims that Tinubu’s recent national address, delivered in response to widespread protests over economic hardships, lacked substance and offered no solutions for ending the reliance on imported refined products.
In his statement, Onuesoke labeled Tinubu’s speech as ineffective and embarrassing, noting that it failed to present any concrete measures to combat rising inflation and the associated hardships faced by Nigerians. He expressed disappointment that the President, despite his role as Minister of Petroleum, has not prioritized the revitalization of the nation’s refineries.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated a lack of commitment to halting the importation of fuel and refined products, thus benefiting only a select few,” Onuesoke said. He also criticized the administration’s handling of ongoing issues like banditry, kidnapping, and the crisis between farmers and herdsmen, which have exacerbated food shortages.
Onuesoke urged Tinubu to support the Dangote Refinery and other private refineries to boost domestic production of refined products. He stressed the need for the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries to resume operations to reduce fuel prices and, consequently, inflation.
