The Allied Conservative Congress (ACC) has told the Federal Government (FG) to revert to the old price of fuel.
With a litre of fuel selling for as much as N1,200 in some states across Nigeria, the ACC on Friday condemned in strong terms the recent hike in fuel price.
The National Chairman of the ACC, Rev. Olusegun Obaje Peters in a statement criticized the FG’s decision, describing it as outrageous, insensitive and ill-conceived.
Peters also questioned the timing of the hike in fuel price which came a few weeks after the nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance in Nigeria.
The ACC National Chairman in the statement asserted that it contradicts the constitutional mandate to prioritize the citizens’ welfare.
According to him, the increase in fuel price will exacerbate hardship, worsen economic conditions and negatively impact citizens’ lives.
“It is curious that the Federal Government would contemplate a fuel price hike soon after the #Endhungerprotest as if the welfare of the people does not matter as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” Peters said.
“Governments at all levels are obliged to deliver fruits and dividends of democracy not hardship, hunger and carnage. Nigerians voted for a fair deal and better life, not deprivation, destitution and poverty.
“Government exists to articulate and implement people-oriented policies, programmes and projects that will boost citizens’ standards of living, not to impoverish and frustrate them.
“Nigerians are resilient, resourceful and industrious, they should be encouraged, motivated and provided with an enabling environment to maximize their potentials and contribute to nation building.”
The ACC in the statement also demanded a quick reversal of a litre of fuel to ₦617, adding that “The Federal Government had assured Nigerians of lower fuel price when the last increase was imposed on them, stating that more petroleum products would bring down the prices.
“Today, the reverse is the case due to lack of political will to sanitize the oil sector of corruption and incompetence. Nigerians have suffered enough, there is no need to impose more hardship on them for any reason or for no reason whatsoever.
“The party also advocates for licensing Nigerians to build private refineries to boost supply and reduce dependence on flawed governmental policies.
“It is time to end hardship in the country through conservative governance.
“Nigerians desire and deserve compassionate leaders with the milk of human kindness. ACC promises a better Nigeria with conservative ideology. Join us to make it happen.”
