The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing critique of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, branding them as detrimental to the welfare of the Nigerian people in light of the recent fuel price surge.
Reports indicate that the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) raised fuel prices to ₦885 per litre on Tuesday, despite the federal government’s denial of any sanctioned price hikes.
In response, the PDP, through a statement from its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, condemned the petrol price increase as a grave insult to the dignity and well-being of the Nigerian populace.
The party asserted that the Tinubu administration shows a blatant disregard for the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians, further exacerbating their hardships with this latest fuel price adjustment.
In their statement, the PDP emphatically rejected the price increase, demanding not only its reversal but also a reevaluation of other policies enacted by the current administration.
According to the PDP: “We denounce the punitive escalation of fuel prices, which has soared to over ₦1,000 per litre in various regions. This is nothing short of a cruel attack on the sensibilities and welfare of Nigerians, perpetuated by the indifferent and arrogant APC regime.”
They highlighted that this reckless price hike, especially in the current economic climate, poses a serious risk of unrest, as citizens are already grappling with severe economic challenges under the leadership of President Tinubu.
The party criticized the APC government’s opaque management of the petroleum sector, arguing that the continuous rise in fuel prices, without consideration for the population’s well-being, is tantamount to pushing citizens to their limits.
The PDP pointed out that the APC administration has repeatedly demonstrated its anti-people stance, remaining indifferent to the agony of millions of Nigerians who can barely afford basic necessities due to soaring living costs driven by the government’s imprudent policies.
Under the Tinubu-led APC government, over 150 million Nigerians are said to live below the poverty line, with businesses collapsing daily as the Naira’s exchange rate exceeds ₦1,600 to a Dollar. With an inflation rate surpassing 34% and unemployment exceeding 40%, these figures are expected to worsen following the latest fuel price increase.
The PDP lamented the lack of hope under the APC administration, noting the exodus of major multinational companies from Nigeria due to poorly conceived economic policies.
They contended that the APC’s admission of transferring Nigerians’ fate to oil moguls under the guise of a free market further corroborates the PDP’s stance that the Tinubu administration has neglected its fundamental duty: ensuring the welfare and security of its citizens.
As the Minister of Petroleum Resources, President Tinubu cannot absolve himself from the questionable practices in the oil sector that threaten the nation’s economic stability.
Moreover, the PDP expressed disbelief that the APC continues to raise fuel prices despite revelations that it is clandestinely allocating a staggering N5.4 trillion for fuel subsidies in 2024.
The party accused the APC government of enabling a corrupt cabal that thrives on the suffering of the Nigerian people while indulging in lavish lifestyles funded by the relentless fuel price hikes.
In light of the current dire situation, the PDP questioned what President Tinubu conveys during his numerous foreign trips when leaders in those countries prioritize their citizens’ welfare.
The PDP reminded Nigerians of its past constructive proposals for economic management that have been consistently ignored by the APC government due to its arrogance.
The party asserted that with effective, transparent management of resources, fuel prices should not exceed ₦250 per litre in Nigeria.
The PDP urged President Tinubu to act swiftly to prevent further socio-economic turmoil by reversing the controversial fuel price hike and reassessing all detrimental policies implemented by the APC government.
