Proposed fuel price hike ‘ll breed corruption – PDP chieftain warns
Victor Akinkuolie ,Ado-Ekiti
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Mr Michael Ale has said that the proposed hike in the price of fuel by the Federal Government will further subject Nigerians to hardship and agony.
He said if the present administration in the country under the leadership of President Mohammadu Buhari go on with the proposed subsidy removal, it will further throw the general populace into more suffering.
The PDP chieftain spoke with Journalists at the weekend in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Oye Local Government area of Ekiti State, advising the Federal Government to intensify more efforts in making life more bearable for the people of the country.
Lamenting over what the effect of the removal of the fuel subsidy would be, the politician explained that such a move will push an individual to source funds in dubious ways to enable them to purchase the commodity at an exorbitant price.
Ale, however, submitted that the hike in the price of petroleum products is timely but not necessary due to what he called the adverse effect of such a move considering the state of the economy.
He was also of the opinion that the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) document, should help to mitigate such cases of hikes in fuel products.
He said ” If you look at those that will be affected, the lower class might not feel the impact, but for those using cars, they become corrupt more, because I wouldn’t know how to buy if it is increased to 300 when you have not increased my salary, then I become more corrupt to be able to pay for that commodity.
“The economists are not looking at certain index that have to do with humans. In other way round, you have to look at the human index but right now we are looking at infrastructure and financing the budget as against looking into the poor masses that culminate almost 80 percent of Nigerians.
“If it is time for a budget purpose, it’s good, if it’s time to pay debts it’s good, and to boost up infrastructure, it’s equally good but is it time for people that are already underdeveloped. Is it going to address the poverty level? he asked.
Speaking on the recent fracas and crisis within the Ekiti State chapter of the PDP, he lamented over the issue and explained that though the crisis was an in-house affairs that would not affect the chances of the party during the June 18, governorship election in the state.
He gave an assurance that the party would soon put its house in order and present a popular and formidable flag bearer during the conduct of the exercise.