Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the recent fuel price increase.
Obi’s remarks come as the president enjoys an annual vacation abroad.
While Tinubu is in France, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) raised the price of fuel significantly.
Other regions also saw similar hikes, with prices reaching as high as ₦1,075 in the South-South.
This sudden increase has triggered widespread anger and frustration among Nigerians.
Many citizens are calling on President Tinubu to reverse the decision and address the rising cost of living.
However, the Federal Government, through Information Minister Mohammed Idris, stated that the NNPCL is responsible for the price hike.
In a series of tweets, Obi expressed deep concern for the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
He blamed these difficulties on what he called the government’s “wrong choices.”
“The NNPCL has once again raised the price of fuel (PMS) without providing any explanation,” Obi wrote.
“This is both unfortunate and insensitive, considering the wide-ranging negative consequences for our economic survival and well-being.”
He further argued that the government’s actions reflect poor economic management and a lack of compassion for citizens.
Obi questioned the transparency and accountability of the NNPCL, which is now a limited liability company.
He pointed out that there seems to be confusion about the roles of the NNPCL and its regulatory agencies, such as the NUPRC and NMDPRA.
“Who is regulating who?” he asked.
Obi highlighted that both the NNPCL and these agencies fall under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
He emphasised that the President also serves as the Minister of Petroleum, which raises questions about the governance structure.
“With the unprecedented but avoidable hardship that Nigerians are enduring,” Obi said, “the responsibility for providing a full explanation and offering alternative options falls squarely on the Minister of Petroleum Resources.”
He urged Tinubu to act in the best interest of Nigerians before returning from his vacation.
Obi stated, “To casually inflict such a draconian measure on the populace from the comfort of an annual vacation amounts to taking the people’s welfare lightly and for granted.”
His comments resonate with many Nigerians who feel that their voices are ignored in policy decisions.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in on the issue, referring to Tinubu as “T-Pain” in light of the fuel price hike.
This nickname suggests that many see the President as a source of pain due to rising costs.
The latest fuel price increase has sparked debates about the broader economic situation in Nigeria.
Many citizens are grappling with high inflation rates and increasing costs for basic goods and services.
Fuel prices play a crucial role in the economy, affecting transportation costs, food prices, and overall living expenses.
In a country where many families already struggle to make ends meet, the latest increase adds to their burdens.
The National Labour Congress has also expressed outrage over the fuel price hike, calling for nationwide protests.
Labour leaders argue that the government must take immediate steps to stabilize prices and address the public’s concerns.
Obi’s call for action reflects a growing sentiment among Nigerians that the government must be more responsive to their needs.
As the debate continues, many are waiting to see how the government will respond to the mounting pressure.
The President’s vacation has drawn criticism, with some saying he should be focused on addressing the nation’s challenges.