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“Worst President Ever”: Nigerians Drag Tinubu Over Escalating Petrol Prices

“Worst President Ever”: Nigerians Drag Tinubu Over Escalating Petrol Prices
  • PublishedSeptember 5, 2024

Nigerians have taken to social media, particularly X formally (Twitter) to express their frustration and anger over the skyrocketing price of petrol, which has surged above ₦1,000 per litre.

Many are directing their criticisms at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of failing to address the worsening economic situation and worsening fuel crisis.

Twitter has become a hotbed for dissatisfied citizens, with hashtags and tweets trending, criticizing Tinubu’s leadership.

One user, @A__yabo, didn’t mince words in his criticism: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spent almost a decade waiting for Buhari to finish his tenure for him to take over, just for him to end up as the worst president ever in his first year. None of his policies are working, and he and those around him have no idea how to fix things,” he wrote.

The frustration stems from the sharp increase in fuel prices, which has led to a significant rise in the cost of transportation and daily living expenses.

Many are finding it increasingly difficult to cope, and the rising cost of living has fueled anger toward the government.

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A tweet from @Olahakeemola reflected this sentiment: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you’re the Minister of Petroleum, when will this petrol brouhaha end and Nigerians enjoy?”

The frustration stems from the sharp increase in fuel prices, which has led to a significant rise in the cost of transportation and daily living expenses. Many are finding it increasingly difficult to cope, and the rising cost of living has fueled anger toward the government. A tweet from @Olahakeemola reflected this sentiment: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you’re the Minister of Petroleum, when will this petrol brouhaha end and Nigerians enjoy?”

The outrage online is not just about the fuel price increase but also about a perceived lack of direction in governance. @originaldrsam stated that Tinubu has lost his credibility to run for office again: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lost every ‘moral and constitutional right’ to attempt to seek re-election in 2027. The facts on the streets speak for themselves. The future is not bright for Nigeria with Tinubu staying in office beyond 2027.”

The cost of petrol reaching ₦1,000 per litre has also been described as economic madness by some citizens, with @NJOKU_OUJ tweeting, “Hundred litres of petrol will cost you ₦100,000 in a country where only 5% of the population have ₦500,000 in their bank accounts. There is economics, and then there is madness… and Nigeria has chosen madness!”

Many Nigerians believe that the rising fuel prices disproportionately affect the poor and further widen the gap between the rich and the struggling majority. @Waspapping stated, “I have lived through six Nigerian presidents, and I have never seen a president who is more against the poor and more determined to make them suffer than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The ongoing fuel crisis has left many questioning the government’s competence and ability to manage the nation’s resources. As Nigerians continue to drag President Tinubu over the escalating petrol prices, the call for immediate intervention and a solution to the economic hardship grows louder.

“It Is Abnormal”: NNPC Speaks As Petrol Sells For Over 1000 Nationwide

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has expressed concerns over the recent spike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, which has surpassed ₦1,000 per liter in several parts of the country.

The Executive Vice President of NNPCL (Downstream), Adedapo Segun, described the situation as “abnormal” and emphasized the need for a perfectly competitive market to ensure stable fuel prices and adequate supply across Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Segun stated that the current pump price does not accurately reflect prevailing market conditions.

He highlighted that NNPCL’s position as the sole importer of petrol in the country is not ideal and goes against the principles of a free market economy.

“The pump price today is not market reflective,” Segun said. “NNPCL is the sole importer of PMS in the country, which is abnormal. We should be moving towards a situation where the free market determines prices.”

Segun explained that NNPCL’s dominance in the importation of petrol was not a deliberate choice but a response to market conditions, noting that other players in the market reduced their participation.

He added, “We didn’t choose to be the sole importer. We stepped in when others reduced their participation. It’s not about wanting to be monopolists.”

To address the rising prices, Segun emphasized the importance of broader economic reforms, including improving liquidity in the foreign exchange (FX) market.

He noted that stable fuel supply and pricing can only be achieved when the market is competitive and FX liquidity is ensured.

“Market conditions need to be perfect, and there must be FX liquidity,” he said, adding that market forces, rather than any single entity, should dictate fuel prices.

Segun also revealed that NNPCL is working closely with private refineries, such as Dangote, to ensure a steady supply of crude oil for refining purposes.

“We have supplied about 30 million barrels to Dangote so far: 6.3 million this month, and we will supply 11.3 million in October,” he disclosed, stressing the company’s efforts to maintain supply stability in the country.

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