The Coalition of civil Society Organisations and Labour Centre has appealed to Nigerians for understanding in the face of the hard economic realities confronting the nation, occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, which is affecting every Nigerian irrespective of status.
The Coalition urged Nigerians to understand that the subsidy removal is a bitter pill, which we all have to swallow to stop the hemorrhaging of the Nigerian state.
This was contained in a welcome address by the convener if the Coalition, Razaq Olokoba, at a town hall netting to discuss the state of the nation and other matters affecting the polity and to also find a way forward out if the economic hardship for the benefit of the generality of the people.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Saneo-Olu and other state governor’s for their policy thrusts in addressing the pains Nigerians are currently experiencing in the aftermath of the removal of fuel subsidy, Olokoba pleased with Nigerians to exercise a little bit more of patience and give the government of the day the benefit of the doubt.
In a communique issued at the end of the town hall meeting, the group stated that the removal of subsidy is necessary and inevitable; the $30 billion expended on subsidy amount to a rip off if the Nigerian people; President Tinubu deserves commendation for the bold economic decisions taken so far, especially the removal of fuel subsidy.
The Coalition also recognized the fact that Nigerians are going through economic hardship as a result of this policy, also called for understanding with the “mindset that the pains being currently experienced is a temporary sacrifice for a better future.
It further stated that it recognized that less than two months after the subsidy removal, Nigeria is already reaping the gains in terms of over N1 trillion already in the national coffers, which could have ended in the private pocket of a few individuals.
The communique also stated that the palliatives out in place by government must be monitored by civil society organisations to enhance transparency and accountability.
The Coalition also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for measure already out in place by the Lagos State government, even as it also reminded leaders that while Nigerians are asked to understand, they should also cut down on the cost of governance.
Calling on governments at all tiers to out in place social protection policy for the vulnerable in line with global best practices, the Coalition called on Nigerians to be wary of individuals and groups out to make political capital out of their economic situation through propaganda, lies and mischief to mislead and incite.
It reminded Nigerians if the heavy price they have paid to instal the present democracy governance, “through sweat, limb and blood and should therefore deploy all and any legitimate means to defend and sustain it.
Calling on Nigerians to resist all and every attempt to undermine the present nascent democracy through any undemocratic means, using the instrumentality of the rule of law, as enshrined in the fundamental right to peacefully assembly and rallies by the citizenry.
The town hall meeting therefore resolves that: President Tinubu deserves commendation for the bold economic move to remove fuel subsidy; the economic inconvenience occasioned by the action is affecting all Nigerians, irrespective of status.
It further commended President Tinubu for his nationwide broadcast on Monday, as well as the measures his administration has already taken to cushion the effect of the ongoing hardship.
It further enjoined Nigerians to display understanding and patience on this issue “with the optimism that the fuel subsidy removal aftermath is a temporary sacrifice for a better and enduring future.
Calling on the three tiers of government to as a matter of urgency and compulsion to put in place social safety mechanism to alleviate the condition of the vulnerable in line with global best practices, the town hall meeting advocated that the palliatives and other measures out in place to address and reduce the present economic hardship face by Nigerians “must be monitored for the sake of transparency and accountability by CSOs.
The Coalition also stated that is says no to the break down of law and order in the guide of exercising fundamental right even as it called on security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities.
Alerting Nigerians to beware of threat to national security by persons or groups using the fuel subsidy imbroglio for political score.
In attendance at the town hall meeting, which held in Lagos and began at 11am, were: Olokoba, Campaign for Dignity in Governance; Nelson Ekujuni, Centre for social and Economic Rights; Linus Okoroji, Humanity Services Project; Raji R. Oyewunmi, Yoruba Citizen Action for Change; Hammed Balogun, Frontliner Economy and Social Research Centre; Jubril Ogundimu, Oodua Revolutionary Front; Gbenga Soloki, Campaign Against Impunity and Domestic Violence; Razaq Oladosu, Grassroots Democratic Initiative; Alex Omitehinse, Centre for human Rights and Socio-Econimic Rights; and Awakulu Galadima, Northern Integrity Forum.
Others include ramat Abdukrazak, Women Grassroots Network; HRM Sola Olatunde, Oodua Youth Movement; Ramat Abdukkahi, Centre for promotion of Work ethics and Values; Oliseh Charles, Labour Veterans; Raheem Akeem, former Trade Union Congress, TUC, President; PrincessbAbidemu Dosunmu, Salamotu Dosunmu Skill Acquisition for Women and Underprivileged; Funso Mojuba, Yoruba Unity Network; Akin Abosanyin, Yoruba Interactive Network; and Alhaji Taofeek Adeyemi, Oodua people’s Congress (Reformed).
