The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of engaging in extortion by implementing the increased pump price of petrol, which has reached N617 per litre. Nigerians have expressed anger and frustration over this development.
According to the PDP, the fuel price should not exceed N150 per litre, and the significant increase represents a case of maladministration by Tinubu’s government. The party alleges that this action demonstrates extreme insensitivity and callousness towards the Nigerian people.
Furthermore, the PDP warns that the fuel price hike is exacerbating the already challenging economic situation under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government. They argue that if not addressed, this situation has the potential to trigger a severe crisis in the country.
In a statement released by the PDP’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, the party expresses dismay that instead of focusing on stabilizing and growing the economy, the APC administration has neglected the welfare of Nigerians. The PDP emphasizes that the primary purpose of the government, as outlined in Section 14 (2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, is to ensure the well-being of its citizens. They criticize the government for leaving the population at the mercy of market forces and exploitative groups, highlighting this as characteristic of an unaccountable government.
Ologunagba: “The PDP is alarmed that with its ill-thought out, badly planned and hurriedly-executed policies, the APC is running Nigeria’s economy aground with the value of naira rapidly plummeting, businesses and production shutting down; citizens losing their means of livelihood, commercial and social activities crippled, with millions of families no longer able to afford their daily needs as the costs of food, medication and other essential goods and services continue to skyrocket.
“The present dire situation comes as a consequence of APC’s insensitivity, seething corruption, scandalous cluelessness and lack of capacity to effectively steady and manage the nation’s economy.
“Our Party insists that the N617 per litre of fuel is excessive, unacceptable and cannot be justified under any guise. This is especially given the economic potential and prospects within our country.
“Even with the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, the PDP maintains that with a deft, transparent and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, national comparative advantage and expanded value chain in refining capacity, fuel should not sell for more than N150 per litre in Nigeria.”
