The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has urged Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state to resign following his recent comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Okpebholo made the remarks at the "Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road" event in Edo State on Thursday, September 24. He claimed that after converting the UK price to naira, Nigerians were paying less for petrol. The APM described the governor's comments as insensitive to the economic realities confronting Nigerians.
Okpebholo's comparison was based on his personal experience in London the previous week. He said he and a friend bought fuel to compare prices between Nigeria and England. According to Okpebholo, the price of one liter of fuel in the UK was equivalent to around 3,000 naira. He argued that Nigerians were "doing very well" because petrol was cheaper in Nigeria than in the UK. The governor also praised President Tinubu, describing him as an economist who was stabilizing the economy.
The APM strongly condemned the increase in petrol prices to over N1,500 per liter, describing it as a "brutal assault" on Nigerians. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, issued a statement criticizing Okpebholo's remarks. The APM argued that comparing petrol prices without considering income levels gave a misleading picture of affordability. The party highlighted the significant disparity in wages between Nigeria and the UK, citing a monthly minimum wage of N70,000 in Nigeria versus £2,636 (N4.6 million) in the UK.
The APM also faulted Okpebholo's comparison of public transportation systems in Nigeria and the UK. The party noted that Nigerians largely depend on an informal and costly public transport system, while the UK has a more structured and regulated transportation network. This, the APM argued, made Okpebholo's comparison of petrol prices between the two countries even more misleading.
In further criticism, the APM compared Nigeria's petrol prices with those of other oil-producing countries. The party cited Libya and Iran, where petrol sells for the equivalent of between N41 and N52 per liter. The APM described Okpebholo's remarks as "irrational and highly provocative," warning that they could further aggravate public anger over the rising cost of living.
The APM expressed concern that Okpebholo's comments could be interpreted as an indication that Nigerians should expect another increase in petrol prices. The party subsequently urged Nigerians to support its presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, in the 2027 presidential election. The APM's proposed "Reset Agenda" prioritizes citizens' welfare, promising a more humane and efficient leadership.
Under a proposed Makinde/Daura administration, the APM said "the interest and wellbeing of all Nigerians will be the top priority of the government." The party urged Nigerians not to despair, citing the 2027 Presidential election as an opportunity to vote in a new leadership.
Key points
- The Allied Peoples Movement calls for Governor Okpebholo's resignation over insensitive petrol price remarks.
- Okpebholo's comments sparked criticism due to significant disparities in wages and public transportation between Nigeria and the UK.
- The APM promotes its presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, and a proposed "Reset Agenda" prioritizing citizens' welfare.
