SDP Seeks Reversal Of Hike In Electricity Tariffs

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has condemned the hike in electricity and called on the federal government for a reversal.

This is contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, of the Party, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba in Abuja.

According to the statement, the recent increase in electricity tarrifs will further compound the economic woes of Nigerians.

“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 it’s unfair at this point to hike the tariffs” he states.

“The President was ill-advised in taking the unpopular decision to raise electricity tarrifs from N68 to N255 per kilowatt an hour, at this critical time of mounting economic challenges”.

The statement describes the decision of government as anti-people and insensitive, adding that it will further drive Nigerians into deeper poverty.

It further explains that removal of fuel 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.

According to the statement the recent hike in electricity tarriffs 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.

The statement therefore promises that 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.

By Georgina Humphrey