SERAP calls on President Tinubu to reverse the recent petrol price increase while awaiting the court’s verdict on the matter, citing concerns over the impact on Nigerians.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is calling for the recent petrol price hike to be reversed immediately.
The organization called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to promptly reverse the second petrol price hike within a month. This request is pending the hearing and decision of a lawsuit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, which challenges NNPCL’s authority to raise petrol prices legally.
With the recent price hike, NNPCL outlets in Lagos are now selling a litre of petrol for ₦998, up from the previous rate of ₦855. In Abuja, prices have risen to ₦1,030 per litre from an initial cost of ₦897.
At other gas stations, the product is priced as high as ₦1,050 in certain areas of Lagos State.
Last month, SERAP filed a lawsuit against the president and NNPCL for not reversing the seemingly unlawful hike in petrol pump prices and failing to investigate accusations of corruption and mismanagement within NNPCL.
In an open letter dated October 12, 2024, and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP stated: “The recent hike in petrol prices undermines the ongoing case at the Federal High Court and poses a significant risk of obstructing or compromising justice in this matter.”
In a letter on Sunday, SERAP stated, “A core principle of the rule of law is its universal applicability, encompassing all individuals such as presidents and leaders of public institutions.”
SERAP stated that maintaining the authority and integrity of the court is essential for keeping justice clear and pure, which serves the public interest.
The organization further stated, “Permitting the Federal High Court to consider and resolve the case aligns fully with both the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], your oath of office, and your frequently reiterated commitments to uphold the rule of law.”
The letter partially stated: “SERAP observes that since you took office in May 2023, you have consistently pledged, including during your inaugural address, to govern Nigeria impartially according to the Constitution and the rule of law.”
Raising petrol prices while the Federal High Court case is still pending would compromise and hinder the court’s capability to deliver justice, erode public confidence in its decisions, influence the outcome of the case unfavorably, and disrupt the pursuit of justice.
We kindly request that you implement the recommended measures immediately upon receiving or publishing this letter. If not, SERAP may pursue contempt proceedings and/or other suitable legal actions to ensure your government and NNPCL fulfill our public interest demand.
If not promptly reversed, the recent rise in petrol prices could significantly compromise the integrity of the Nigerian Constitution and have severe repercussions for vulnerable and disadvantaged Nigerians as well as for public interest.
Peoplesmind