By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given President Bola Tinubu a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse the increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
The organisation also asked President Tinubu to probe the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
In an open letter dated September 7, 2024, signed by its deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, the group said, “The increase in petrol price constitutes a fundamental breach of constitutional guarantees and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
“Suspected perpetrators of alleged corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC should face prosecution as appropriate if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any proceeds of corruption should be fully recovered,” it added.
Following this suspicion, it called on the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies “to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, including the spending of the reported $300 million ‘bailout funds’ collected from the federal government in August 2024, and the $6 billion debt it owes suppliers, despite allegedly failing to remit oil revenues to the treasury.”
“The increase in petrol price has rendered already impoverished citizens incapable of satisfying their minimum needs for survival.
“The increase is not inevitable, as it stems from the persistent failure of successive governments to address allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector and the impunity of suspected perpetrators,” SERAP noted.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.
“Increasing petrol prices at a time when millions of Nigerians continue to face worsening economic conditions is entirely inconsistent with your government constitutional and international obligations to ensure the minimum living conditions compatible with human dignity.
“The arbitrary increase has placed a disproportionate burden on the marginalized and most vulnerable sectors of society, particularly those disadvantaged by poverty.
“The increase is seriously jeopardizing their living conditions, well as individuals’ physical, emotional, and individual development, and intensifying and worsening socioeconomic conditions in the country,” it added.