Nigerians Protested Over N20 Fuel Increase Under Jonathan, Now It’s N1000, Says Kenneth Okonkwo

Kenneth Okonkwo, a legal practitioner and prominent member of the Labour Party, has openly criticized the current administration’s approach to removing the fuel subsidy. In an interview with Channels Television, Okonkwo drew a sharp comparison between the 2012 protests against then-President Goodluck Jonathan and the current situation.

In 2012, Nigerians took to the streets to protest a mere 20 naira increase in fuel prices under Jonathan’s administration. However, according to Okonkwo, the recent removal of the fuel subsidy has led to an unprecedented surge in fuel prices. He noted that fuel prices have soared from N195 to a staggering N1000 per liter, making it unaffordable for the average Nigerian.

Moreover, Okonkwo highlighted the scarcity of fuel despite the high prices. Nigerians now face long queues at filling stations, often spending hours to purchase fuel at an exorbitant rate of N900 per liter.

“They protested against Goodluck Jonathan because of a 20 naira increase in fuel,” Okonkwo remarked. “Today, they claim to have removed the fuel subsidy, which has driven the price from 195 naira to 1000 naira. The irony is that fuel is not even available. People have to spend hours at the filling station to pay 900 naira, and it’s still not readily available,” he added.

The current fuel crisis has sparked widespread frustration and criticism, with many questioning the government’s handling of the situation. As Nigerians grapple with the economic impact of these price hikes, the comparison to past protests underscores the growing discontent among the populace.