The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has strongly criticized Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for comparing petrol prices in Nigeria to those in the United Kingdom. In a statement, the party described the comparison as insensitive and inappropriate, given the significant differences in income levels and purchasing power between Nigerian and British citizens. The APM demanded Governor Okpebholo's resignation over his comments.
Governor Okpebholo made the comments on September 24 at the "Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road" event, stating that petrol sells for about N3,000 per litre in the UK, compared to the lower price in Nigeria. He added that despite challenges, Nigeria was "doing very well." The APM countered that the pump price of over N1,500 per litre in Nigeria is worsening the hardship faced by Nigerians.
The APM highlighted the wide income gap between Nigerian and British workers, citing that a Nigerian school teacher earns about N70,000 or less monthly, while a teacher in the UK has a starting salary of roughly £2,839, equivalent to about N4.9m. The party also contrasted Nigeria's largely informal and costly public transport system with the structured, regulated, and subsidized system in the UK.
The party noted that petrol is significantly cheaper in other oil-producing countries, such as Libya and Iran, where it sells for the equivalent of about N41 to N52 per litre. The APM described Governor Okpebholo's comparison as "reckless and irresponsible" and capable of triggering widespread protests and breakdown of law and order.
The APM strongly condemned the increase in the pump price of fuel to over N1,500 per litre, describing it as a "brutal assault" on Nigerians by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration. The party urged Nigerians not to despair, citing the 2027 presidential election as an opportunity to vote in a more humane and people-based leadership.
The APM's National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, signed the statement, which added that under a potential Makinde/Daura presidency, the interest and well-being of all Nigerians would be the top priority of government. The party emphasized that Nigerians do not deserve the level of suffering inflicted by the APC-led administration.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about fuel prices and governance in Nigeria. The APM's criticism of Governor Okpebholo's comments reflects a broader concern about the impact of fuel price increases on Nigerians. The party's call for Governor Okpebholo's resignation has added to the growing criticism of the governor's comments.
Key points
- The Allied Peoples Movement demands Governor Okpebholo's resignation over his comments.
- The party cites significant income disparities between Nigerian and British citizens.
- Petrol prices in Nigeria have risen to over N1,500 per litre, worsening hardship for Nigerians.
