SDP condemns hike in electricity tariff, calls for reversal 

SDP condemns hike in electricity tariff, calls for reversal 

•Plans peaceful protest against “insensitive policy” 

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has condemned the recent hike in electricity tariff announced by the Federal Government, describing it as an act of insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.

The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba, called for the reversal of the move.

Recall that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), recently announced the hike in tariff to certain categories of consumers.

Under the new dispensation, consumers on band ‘A’ category with 20-hours and above electricity supply had their tariff increased from #66 per kilowatt to #225, an increase of over 200 per cent.

The party contended that this will add to the inflation rate and lead to a hike in the prices of manufactured commodities. Adding that Nigerians are battling with hardship caused by removal of fuel subsidy which has caused a hike in the price of goods and services.

The statement partly read: “Worried by the choking weight of increasing high cost of living on the masses; conscious of the high percentage of the populace presently living below poverty level ; mindful of the unabating insecurity that impedes productive economic activities across the nation; concerned that the recent increase in electricity tariffs by the government will further compound the economic woes of Nigerians, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) hereby makes the following pronouncements:

“That the President was ill-advised in taking the unpopular decision to raise electricity tariffs from N68 to N255 per kilowatts-hour, effective April 1, 2024, at this critical time of mounting economic challenges, and that his advisers who sold the idea to him do not love him nor desire the stability of his government.

“That he should sack the Minister of Power with immediate effect, for his reckless, insensitive and vexatious statements on the matter of the new electricity tariffs.

“That this particular decision of government is anti-people and insensitive, and it will further drive a huge mass of the Nigerian populace into deeper poverty.

“That having removed petroleum subsidy at the inception of the administration and the derivable benefits of the removal are yet to get to the people in practical terms by way of impacting on their lives positively, the recent hike in electricity tariffs should be reversed so as not to pull the masses to the streets and to show that this administration is sensitive to the plights of the citizens and  responsive to their discontent.”

Aiyenigba added that the party will not hesitate to call for a peaceful protest if the Federal Government is hell-bent on the increase.

“That as a national political party that priorities true national interest at all times, we would not hesitate to mobilize a peaceful protest against the inhuman socio-economic implications of the new electricity tariffs if the government fails to reverse it.

“That as it has always done, the SDP will continue to be in the vanguard of supporting Mr President’s good policies, but will not shy away from speaking against anti-people policies of any shade,” he said.