The Allied Conservative Congress (ACC) on Friday condemned the recent fuel price hike, describing it as outrageous, insensitive, and ill-conceived.
The ACC demanded the immediate reversal of the fuel price from ₦880 to ₦617, citing the hardship it would impose on citizens and the economy.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Rev. Olusegun Obaje, National Chairman of the ACC, accused the Federal Government of reneging on its promise to reduce fuel prices, despite assurances that increased supplies would lead to lower costs.
The group noted that the fuel price hike contradicts the Constitution’s provision that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
The statement reads, “The recent hike in fuel price is outrageous, insensitive and ill-conceived. 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. 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 maximise their potentials and contribute to nation building.
“Unfortunately, the Federal Government had assured Nigerians of lower fuel price when the last increase was imposed on them, stating that more supplies of petroleum products would bring down the prices. Today, the reverse is the case due to lack of political will to sanitise 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.
“Therefore, we demand the immediate reversal of fuel hike from ₦880 and above to ₦617. We also urge the Federal Government to approve licence to qualify Nigerians to build private refineries and remove all the bottlenecks in so doing. It is time to end hardship in the country through conservative governance. Nigerians desire and deserve compassionate leaders with the milk of human kindness.”
