President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately undo the most recent increase in gasoline prices, which is the second in as many months.
In an open letter dated October 12, 2024, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s deputy director, the group pleaded with President Tinubu to postpone the hike until after the conclusion of an Abuja Federal High Court lawsuit.
The legitimacy of the NNPCL’s power to increase gas prices is contested in the lawsuit. Due to their failure to stop the original price increase and look into claims of corruption and poor management at the NNPCL, SERAP filed a complaint against the president and the organization last month. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
SERAP is still fighting for accountability and openness in Nigeria’s fuel management and pricing.
According to the organization, there is a chance that the Federal High Court case will be severely hampered or tainted by the most recent spike in gas prices, which also makes a farce of the lawsuit.
“That the rule of law applies to everyone, including presidents and CEOs of public institutions, is one of its fundamental principles.”
SERAP contends that upholding the legitimacy and authority of the court in this particular instance, as well as maintaining the clear and unclouded streams of justice, are in the public interest.
The letter, read in part: “SERAP notes that since assumption of office in May 2023 you have repeatedly promised, including in your inaugural speech, that ‘Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the Constitution and the rule of law.’
“Increasing petrol prices while the Federal High Court case is pending would prejudice and undermine the ability of the court to do justice in the case, damage public confidence in the court, prejudice the outcome of the case, as well as impede the course of justice.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are immediately taken following the receipt and/or publication of this letter, failing which SERAP shall consider contempt proceedings and/or other appropriate legal actions to compel your government and NNPCL to comply with our request in the public interest.
“If not immediately reversed, the latest increase in petrol prices would seriously undermine the integrity of the Nigerian Constitution and have serious consequences for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged Nigerians and the public interest.”
The group stated that protecting the right to a judicial recourse and due administration of justice is of utmost importance.
SERAP pointed out that by reversing the latest increase in petrol prices would allow the court to render a decision on the central issues in the case, and protect the applicant’s rights and interests.
