Fatshimetrie recently unveiled a strong appeal to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ask the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to reverse its decision to increase the price of petrol for the second time in a month. The increase has sparked concern and criticism as it calls into question the legality of NNPCL’s powers to increase petrol prices and potentially undermines the ongoing judicial process.
Indeed, SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the President and NNPCL for failing to reverse the apparently illegal increase in petrol prices and for failing to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement within NNPCL.
In an open letter dated October 12, 2024, signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization stresses the importance of respecting the rule of law, even for the highest officials. She also emphasizes that maintaining the transparency and integrity of the judicial process is essential to preserving public confidence in the judiciary.
SERAP reminds President Tinubu of his promises to govern impartially according to the Constitution and the rule of law, and stresses that increasing the price of petrol while the matter is before the Federal Court could undermine the judicial process and jeopardize justice.
In emphasizing the fundamental principle of access to justice and the fair administration of justice, SERAP emphasizes the importance of allowing the Federal Court to decide the merits of the case without external interference. She emphasizes that increasing the price of petrol could affect the organization’s ability to obtain a fair and efficient decision in this matter.
It is imperative that the judicial process be conducted in a fair and equitable manner, respecting the rights of the parties involved and preserving the integrity of the judicial system. Any obstruction to this process would undermine the principles of an orderly society that respects the rule of law.
In conclusion, SERAP urges the government to reverse the increase in the price of gasoline to allow the Court to render an impartial decision. This would ensure that the rights and interests of the organization are respected and that the judicial process is conducted in accordance with the rules and fundamental principles of justice.