In response to the removal of fuel subsidy announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, human rights organization Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called upon Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to take action.
CHRAN is urging the governor to establish a taskforce that will actively monitor filling stations across the state to prevent them from exploiting the removal of fuel subsidy and causing economic hardship for the people.
Since the announcement, there has been an artificial scarcity of fuel in the state, with a few marketers selling the product at exorbitant prices ranging from N550 to N650 per litre. Otuekong Franklyn Isong, the Chairman of CHRAN in Akwa Ibom, emphasized the importance of empowering the taskforce to deal decisively with any filling station found to be hoarding fuel or selling it at unbearable rates.
Isong recommended that the taskforce consist of members from the press, civil society organizations, civil defense, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS). Their primary responsibility would be to seal off any filling station engaged in hoarding fuel or selling it above the approved pump price, ensuring that the remaining fuel is dispensed to motorists.
“We call on Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to establish a committee that will thoroughly inspect filling stations taking advantage of this unfortunate situation to impose economic hardship on the people. Such filling stations should be promptly sealed off to serve as a deterrent to others. While other states may revert to normal prices, Akwa Ibom State must take a stand,” Isong stated.
Isong also highlighted that the President’s pronouncement on the removal of fuel subsidy was premature, as there is a provision in the 2023 budget stating that the subsidy would continue until June 30. He expressed concern that the President’s policy statement had led to economic chaos in the country, resulting in skyrocketing fuel prices, reaching N550 per litre if it is even available for purchase.
The consequences of these developments have extended beyond fuel prices, affecting the costs of food commodities and transportation as well. Isong cited examples such as transportation fares from Eket to Uyo, which have surged from N700 to N1500, and Bolt ride fares from Ewet Housing Estate to Aka Road, which have risen from N400 to N1000. Furthermore, the price of a bag of garri has increased by a staggering N10,000, reaching a retail price of N48,000.
Isong expressed concern that garri, a staple commodity, has become even more expensive than the N30,000 minimum wage of civil servants. In light of these hardships faced by the people, CHRAN is calling upon the President to address the issue promptly and take appropriate measures to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
By urging the governor to establish a taskforce and seeking relief for the citizens, CHRAN aims to combat fuel subsidy exploitation and alleviate the economic hardship caused by the recent developments in Akwa Ibom State.
