the Allied People’s Movement (APM), has described recent comments by Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo on the price of petrol in Nigeria as ‘callous’ and a brutal assault on citizens.’
Okpebholo, had recently said Nigerians should not complain about the nearly N1,500 per litre cost of petrol , which, he said is cheaper than the average N3,000 per litre cost in the United Kingdom.
But while faulting the argument, APC said the comparison by Okpebholo completely ignored stark disparities in national purchasing power.
This is contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Abubakar Yusuf, on Sunday in Abuja.
The Party condemned the remarks as ‘callous’ and a brutal assault on citizens, arguing that the comparison completely ignored stark disparities in national purchasing power.
‘It is to say the least callous for a state governor to attempt the benchmark petrol price in Nigeria with that of the UK where the purchasing power of an average wage earner is more than £2,636 (N4.6 million) monthly compared to the paltry N70,000 monthly minimum wage earned by their peers in Nigeria,’ he said.
APM further argues that an analysis of fuel costs should factor in broader economic indicators, including domestic purchasing power and average monthly incomes, to fully reflect the financial pressures facing citizens.
Furthermore, the Party cautioned against policy statements that could heighten public anxiety during a period of economic adjustment.
APM also called for greater sensitivity from public office holders when discussing matters that directly affect household budgets.
‘What Gov. Okpebholo failed to tell Nigerians is the fact that in other oil producing countries such as Libya and even Iran, which is presently at war, petrol is sold at an average of equivalent of N41 to N52 per litre,’ the party noted.
The Party encouraged the public to maintain civic engagement and look toward the upcoming electoral cycle as a constructive avenue for addressing national economic challenges and shaping future governance priorities.
‘We, therefore, urge Nigerians to remain steadfast as they rally to forge a new beginning for our nation on the platform of the APM,’ it added.