The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) have voiced their strong disapproval of the recent increase in petrol prices, with the new range reaching between N568 and N617 per litre. Both parties have accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being insensitive and callous towards the Nigerian population.
The PDP, in particular, condemned the APC-led administration’s actions, labeling them as extreme insensitivity towards the citizens. According to the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, the new subsidy regime, backed by the APC, is exacerbating the already dire economic situation in the country.
Mr. Ologunagba’s statement read: “The party cautions that the increase is worsening the already suffocating economic situation under the APC and has the capability of triggering a very serious crisis in the country if not abated.”
The PDP criticized the government for abandoning the welfare of Nigerians, emphasizing that it is the primary purpose of the government to ensure the well-being of its citizens. The opposition party accused the APC of running Nigeria’s economy aground with ill-thought-out policies and a lack of accountability.
Furthermore, the LP echoed similar concerns, stating that the recent fuel price hike is just the beginning of the difficult times Nigerians will face under the current administration.
Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, also joined the opposition’s stance, insisting that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) should be restrained from further fixing petroleum product prices in the country.
In response to public outrage over the continuous increase in fuel prices, the House of Representatives resolved to establish an ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter.
The opposition parties, particularly the PDP and LP, are vehemently opposing the fuel price hike and holding the APC-led administration responsible for the economic hardships faced by the citizens. They argue that the N617 per litre price is excessive and unacceptable given the economic potential of the country.