APM slams Okpebholo for comparing Nigerian fuel prices to UK

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has launched a scathing critique of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, demanding his resignation after his controversial comparison of fuel prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The party argues that Okpebholo’s remarks are an insensitive attempt to justify the rising cost of petrol, which now exceeds N1,500 per litre.

In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Abubakar Yusuf, the APM condemned the governor’s comments made during the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event on September 24. Okpebholo claimed petrol prices in the UK, when converted, are around N3,000 per litre, positioning Nigerian prices as relatively lower without considering the stark differences in income levels and purchasing power.

Critics have highlighted that such comparisons are not only inappropriate but also dismissive of the economic struggles faced by Nigerians. Yusuf emphasized that the average minimum wage in Nigeria is about N70,000 monthly, starkly contrasting with the UK's average wage of over £2,636 (N4.6 million).

The APM characterized the rise in fuel prices as "a brutal assault" on citizens already reeling from economic hardships. They argue that the governor's attempt to rationalize the cost of fuel reveals a disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

In further condemnation, the APM pointed out that fuel prices in other oil-producing nations, such as Libya and Iran, remain significantly lower, ranging between N41 to N52 per litre. This disparity, they argue, makes Okpebholo's statements not just irrational but potentially inflammatory, risking unrest among the populace.

The party warned that such remarks could incite widespread protests and civil discontent, especially in light of the ongoing economic strain affecting families across Nigeria. They called for a more humane approach to governance, urging citizens to remain hopeful for change in the upcoming 2027 presidential elections.

Yusuf concluded by asserting that the APM, under the leadership of presidential candidate Engr. Seyi Makinde, aims to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians and alleviate the suffering exacerbated by the current administration’s policies. 

As the debate continues, the APM stands firm in its stance that leadership must be accountable and sensitive to the needs of its citizens, especially in times of economic distress.