The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the recent increase in fuel prices, which has reached up to N1,000 per litre in certain parts of Nigeria. The opposition party described this development as a “brutal assault” on the welfare of Nigerians, blaming it on the “insensitive and arrogant” administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Expressing deep concern, the PDP criticized the timing and manner of the price hike, labeling it as “thoughtless” and potentially dangerous. The party warned that this escalation in fuel costs could worsen the already severe economic challenges facing Nigerians, potentially leading to widespread unrest and further destabilizing the nation.
In a statement released on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP expressed dismay at the lack of hope under the current APC government’s policies. Ologunagba argued that the secretive and corrupt handling of the petroleum sector under President Tinubu’s administration, coupled with the relentless fuel price increases, shows a disregard for the well-being of Nigerians and risks pushing the country to the brink.
The statement further criticized the APC administration, accusing it of being anti-people and indifferent to the struggles of millions of Nigerians who can no longer afford basic necessities due to the skyrocketing cost of living. Ologunagba highlighted the dire situation in the country, where over 150 million Nigerians are living below the poverty line, businesses are collapsing, and the Naira has depreciated to over N1,600 per dollar. He also noted that inflation is at over 34%, and unemployment exceeds 40%, with these figures expected to worsen following the latest increase in fuel prices.
Ologunagba pointed out that the APC-led government has essentially abandoned its responsibility to ensure the welfare and security of its citizens by handing over the fate of Nigerians to oil racketeers under the guise of a free market economy. He asserted that President Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, cannot absolve his government from the secretive and fraudulent management of the petroleum sector, which is driving the economy towards disaster.
Moreover, Ologunagba criticized the continued increase in fuel prices despite revelations that the government is secretly allocating N5.4 trillion for fuel subsidies in 2024. He accused the APC government of enabling a corrupt cabal within the party who profit from the incessant fuel price hikes, which inflict further pain on Nigerians while satisfying their luxury lifestyles.
The PDP also questioned what President Tinubu tells foreign counterparts during his trips abroad, considering the dire state of the nation under his leadership. The party reminded Nigerians that it had previously offered constructive advice on managing the economy, which the APC government arrogantly ignored.
Ologunagba reiterated the PDP’s stance that with proper, transparent, and innovative management of resources, Nigeria’s economic potential, and refining capacity, petrol should not be selling for more than N250 per litre. The party urged President Tinubu to save the country from further socio-economic collapse by reversing the latest fuel price increase and revisiting all harmful policies of the APC government.
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