Petrol Price Hike: Nigerians’ Patience Is Not Acceptance of Hardship, Northern Christian Elders Warn Tinubu

ABUJA — The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against mistaking Nigerians’ patience with worsening economic conditions for acceptance of hardship.

The forum, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, called on the President to reverse the latest increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), saying the decision would further burden households already battling rising food prices, transport costs and other basic expenses.

NOSCEF said the additional petrol-price increase would weaken purchasing power and compound the economic uncertainty confronting millions of Nigerians.

The elders urged Tinubu to devote the remaining period of his administration to addressing the pressures facing citizens, particularly the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and the deterioration of critical infrastructure.

“The patience of Nigerians should not be mistaken for acceptance of perpetual hardship,” NOSCEF warned.

The forum said the government should consider alternative and sustainable revenue sources if it requires additional funds to meet its programmes and obligations, rather than repeatedly passing the burden on to citizens through increases in petroleum-product prices.

It also cautioned the administration against placing political considerations ahead of citizens’ welfare.

“NOSCEF believes that the welfare of Nigerians must come before political calculations about future elections. The government should listen to the cries of citizens and respond with policies that provide meaningful relief,” the forum said.

Although the elders acknowledged that the Tinubu administration had made efforts in some areas, Oibe maintained that the hardship experienced across the country demonstrated the need for stronger intervention.

NOSCEF further warned against insulating the President from the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians through officials and supporters who may offer an overly favourable assessment of the economy.

“We therefore appeal to President Tinubu not to be insulated from the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians by praise-singers or officials who may present a more favourable picture of the economy,” the forum said.

The Christian elders said their concerns were based on their direct interaction with communities across the country.

“Our members live among the people, worship with them, work with them, and experience their struggles. We cannot pretend not to see what is happening around us,” NOSCEF said.

According to the forum, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, infrastructural decay and falling purchasing power have combined to create a profound sense of uncertainty and hopelessness among many Nigerians.

It called on the Federal Government to urgently implement measures aimed at reducing the cost of living and restoring household purchasing power, while creating productive opportunities for young Nigerians.

The elders also demanded stronger action against insecurity and faster provision and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.

They urged the government to place citizens’ welfare at the centre of major economic decisions.

“Government must respond with empathy, urgency and practical solutions,” NOSCEF said.

The forum warned that the patience Nigerians have continued to demonstrate should not be interpreted as an unlimited willingness to endure worsening living conditions.

“This is the time for government to demonstrate empathy, listen to the people and take decisive action to prevent further deterioration in the living conditions of citizens.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and the suffering of one Nigerian should concern every responsible leader,” the forum said.

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