The Allied Conservative Congress (ACC), on Friday, condemned in strong terms the recent hike in fuel price, describing it as outrageous, insensitive, and ill-conceived.

The ACC said the increase will exacerbate hardship, worsen economic conditions, and negatively impact citizens’ lives.

The National Chairman of ACC, Rev. Olusegun Obaje Peters, in a statement, criticized the Federal Government’s decision, questioning its timing following recent protests and asserting that it contradicts the constitutional mandate to prioritize citizens’ welfare.

He said: “It is curious that the Federal Government would contemplate a fuel price hike soon after the #Endhungerprotest as if the welfare of the people does not matter as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

“Governments at all levels are obliged to deliver fruits and dividends of democracy not hardship, hunger and carnage. Nigerians voted for a fair deal and better life, not deprivation, destitution and poverty.

“Government exists to articulate and implement people-oriented policies, programmes and projects that will boost citizens’ standards of living, not to impoverish and frustrate them.

“Nigerians are resilient, resourceful and industrious, they should be encouraged, motivated and provided with an enabling environment to maximize their potentials and contribute to nation building.”

The ACC calls for an immediate reversal of fuel hike to ₦617, adding that “The Federal Government had assured Nigerians of lower fuel price when the last increase was imposed on them, stating that more petroleum products would bring down the prices.

“Today, the reverse is the case due to lack of political will to sanitize the oil sector of corruption and incompetence. Nigerians have suffered enough, there is no need to impose more hardship on them for any reason or for no reason whatsoever.”

The party also advocates for licensing Nigerians to build private refineries to boost supply and reduce dependence on flawed governmental policies.

The party further said: “It is time to end hardship in the country through conservative governance.

“Nigerians desire and deserve compassionate leaders with the milk of human kindness. ACC promises a better Nigeria with conservative ideology. Join us to make it happen.”