According to Sahara Reporters, Revolution Now convener and presidential candidate in the last general election Omoyele Sowore has urged Nigerian youths to rise against the recent hike in petrol prices. He referenced a significant protest in 1993, in which he participated as a student, against similar fuel price increases.
Following the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) rose from approximately N185 to over N600. This sharp increase has led to higher transportation costs and inflated prices for goods and services, significantly affecting the cost of living.
Sowore highlighted the disparity between the soaring fuel prices, nearing N1,000, and the national minimum wage of N30,000. He criticized the government for proposing to spend $100 million on a private jet amidst this economic strain.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sowore recalled the protests of 1993: “In 1993, as students, we went to war against the military because they increased petrol (gasoline) price to N3.25k; it was unacceptable then, and Nigerian students fought hard against the economically ruinous World Bank and IMF-inspired policies under the guise of Structural Adjustment Program (SAP)."
He condemned the current priorities of the government and called on Nigerian youths to protest: "Today, the petrol price is almost N1000 with a minimum wage of N30,000, but the priority of the @officialABAT is the Presidential Jet valued at $100M. Let the youths/people of Nigeria rise up and fight! It can be done again, bigger and better! #RevolutionNow.”
Sowore also criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for what he described as a betrayal in 1993, mentioning that Adams Oshiomhole, now a senator, was a key figure in undermining the protests.
He posted a newspaper clipping from November 30, 1993, detailing his abduction and detention by security operatives during the student protests. He recounted his experiences, highlighting the brutality he faced and the resistance of students against the oppressive policies of the time.