Fuel subsidy is now a big issue trending in Nigeria. Femi Falana, Human Rights Activist and Lawyer to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), said the fuel price hike is illegal. During the “Politics Today” with Seun Okinbaloye, Femi Falana explained why he said the fuel price is illegal. Citing the President’s inaugural speech, “He is going to run an administration anchored on the rule of law.” And that implies that all actions, government, and agencies must comply with the law. NNPC has metamorphosed into a limited liability company, now NNPC Ltd. Only Federal Government has the power to fix the prices of petroleum products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called Fuel in Nigeria.
Fuel Subsidy and Price of PMS – Femi Falana
To that extent, the NNPC is now like Total, Exon-Mobil operating in the oil industry cannot announce increases in the prices of petroleum products. That duty is vested in the government. Regarding a Federal High Court judgement, which has not been set aside. A case of Bamidele Atiru and the Minister of Petroleum Resources. This judgement was delivered by Justice Adamu Bello, now retired. To this effect, nobody has the right in Nigeria to fix the prices of petroleum products other than the government. This is because we have Price Control Acts, initially Petroleum Act, but now PIA.
The question where does the NNPCL get the power to fix the prices of Petroleum Products from 195 to 540 Naira? Also, Seun asked a similar question to the NNPL Group CEO, if NNPCL is now the regulator and operator? The Group CEO responded that the market force pushed the price. Falana also reacted that the invisible market force cannot be under the Nigerian constitution. Seun further asked Falana, what Agency of government is levied with the responsibility? Falana responded:
Under the current dispensation, which we find ourselves, since Ministers have not been appointed, the President is running the country. So, Only the Prewsident can decide now.
Femi Falana (SAN).
Watch the video here.
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