The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called for the resignation of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over his recent comments on fuel prices in Nigeria. According to the APM, Okpebholo's attempts to justify the high cost of fuel under the current administration are unacceptable. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, stated that the hike in fuel prices is a recipe for disaster, especially given the economic burden already faced by Nigerians.
Okpebholo recently stated that fuel prices in Nigeria are relatively low compared to the United Kingdom, where he claimed the pump price was N300 per litre. However, the APM countered that this comparison is reckless and irresponsible, as it fails to consider the per capita income and purchasing power of an average Nigerian versus a British citizen. The party highlighted the significant disparity in monthly wages between the two countries, with an average Nigerian wage earner earning N70,000 per month, compared to £2,636 (N4.6 million) in the UK.
The APM further emphasized that an average school teacher in Nigeria earns N70,000 or less, while their counterpart in the UK takes a monthly starting salary of about £2,839 (N4.9 million). The party also pointed out that public transportation in the UK is structured, regulated, and heavily subsidized by the government, unlike in Nigeria. These differences, the APM argued, make Okpebholo's comparison between the two countries invalid.
In addition, the APM noted that Okpebholo failed to mention that in other oil-producing countries, such as Libya and Iran, petrol is sold at an average equivalent of N41 to N52 per litre. The party described Okpebholo's comments as irrational and highly provocative, capable of triggering widespread protests and breakdowns in law and order.
The APM also expressed concerns that Okpebholo's comments may be a test ground for the APC administration to justify further increases in fuel prices, inflicting more hardship on Nigerians. 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 highlighted its presidential candidate, Engr Seyi Makinde, as a leader who would prioritize the interest and wellbeing of all Nigerians. Under a Makinde/Daura presidency, the party promised that the Reset Agenda would ensure that the government's top priority is the welfare of its citizens. Nigerians, the APM stated, do not deserve the level of suffering inflicted by the APC-led administration.
The APM's call for Okpebholo's resignation is a result of his comments being seen as insensitive to the struggles of Nigerians. The party's statement has sparked further debate on the issue of fuel prices and the government's handling of the economy. As the situation continues to unfold, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the government responds to the APM's demands and the concerns of citizens.
Key points
- The Allied Peoples Movement demands Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo's resignation over comments justifying high fuel prices.
- Okpebholo's comments were described as reckless and irresponsible by the APM.
- The APM cited significant disparities in wages and public transportation between Nigeria and the UK.
