Peter Obi urges Tinubu to address Nigerians’ suffering as fuel prices soar
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party and former governor of Anambra State, has urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the recent fuel price hike, which he believes is worsening the struggles of Nigerians.
Obi criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the price increase, calling it insensitive and highlighting the confusion surrounding NNPCL’s role and the roles of regulatory bodies in setting fuel prices.
According to reports, NNPCL announced the price hike just days after allowing oil marketers to source fuel from the Dangote Refinery, stepping back from its previous role as the main supplier.
Obi expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that Nigerians are suffering due to poor government policies. He pointed out that the NNPCL raised fuel prices without providing an explanation, which he described as unfortunate and lacking empathy, especially given its impact on the economy and people’s well-being.
He criticized the management of the economy and questioned the clarity of NNPCL’s relationship with regulatory agencies like the NUPRC and NMDPRA, which are supposed to oversee it. He noted that both NNPCL and these agencies should fall under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, with the President serving as the minister. This raises questions about who is really in charge of regulation.
Obi emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, who is also the President, to explain the situation, provide alternatives, and reverse the price hike. He hopes the President will act in the best interest of the Nigerian people, who are facing unnecessary hardships, especially before returning from his vacation.
He condemned the government’s decision to implement such a harsh measure while the President is on vacation, suggesting it shows a lack of concern for the people’s welfare. Obi believes that a kinder and more compassionate Nigeria is possible.
