Opposition Demands Governor Okpebholo Resign Over UK Fuel Comparison

The Allied Peoples Movement demanded the resignation of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo after he compared petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom to justify the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Okpebholo claimed that fuel in London costs over N3,000 per litre after conversion, arguing that Nigeria's price of over N1,500 per litre indicates the administration is successfully stabilizing the economy.

Critics condemned the comparison as callous and reckless. Businessman Isaac Fayose argued that the governor ignored the disparity in income, noting that the UK minimum wage is approximately N4 million monthly compared to Nigeria's N70,000. The Allied Peoples Movement added that Nigeria's prices are significantly higher than those in other oil-producing nations like Libya and Iran, warning that such statements could provoke public protests.

Adding to the economic debate, African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar criticized the purchasing power of the current N70,000 minimum wage. Abubakar stated that the previous N30,000 wage could purchase 118 litres of petrol, while the current wage only covers about 50 litres. In response to the hardship, civil servants have proposed increasing the minimum wage to N500,000 or reducing petrol prices to N500 per litre. The administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the current wage is insufficient and proposed an upward review.