…urges government to review increase downward
November 21, 2016 By Ibrahim Tarawallie
The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) has expressed grave concern over the 60 percent increase in the pump price of petrol, diesel and kerosene, particularly at a time when the masses are battling with serious socio-economic challenges.
On Friday, 11 November 2016, the government through the Petroleum Regulatory Agency and oil marketers announced an astronomical increase in the prices of petroleum products from Le3, 750 to Le6, 000 per litre for petrol, diesel and kerosene.
The announcement has been greeted by outright condemnation from the general populace, who argued that the timing was wrong. Civil society organisations and some members of the public who wanted to stage a peaceful protest on the issue were prevented from doing so by the Sierra Leone Police, who threatened to arrest those that may go against their stands.
In a press release dated Thursday, 17 November 2016, the association noted that such an increase in the prices of fuel products, especially during this already dire economic period, was a drawback on the welfare of the people of the country.
They argued that the decision was inconsistent with Section 7(1) of Act No.6 of 1991 which provides that the states shall “manage and control the national economy in such a manner as to secure the maximum welfare and freedom of every citizen on the basis social justice and equality of opportunity.”
The association emphasised the broad economic latitude which the products hold in the nation’s economy and the negative ripple effects across the economic spectrum whenever there was an increase in their prices.
“The association hereby therefore calls on the government to review the increase prices of the said fuel products downward in the interest of the people of this country, whose welfare the government is constitutionally enjoined to give maximum security,” the release stated.
The government and the Sierra Leone Police in particular were reminded about the right of persons to freely express themselves and their rights to freely assemble as provided for, by Section 25 and 26, respectively, of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.
The Bar Association also entreated members of the public to exercise restraint, be law-abiding, peaceful and helpful in the country’s hope of slowly and successfully responding to the nation’s current economic challenges.