Posted on: Fri 06-09-2024

President Bola Tinubu has been urged to listen to the voice of reason and reconsider his administration’s economic policies inflicting unbearable hardship on the masses. The latest calls from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) came yesterday on the heels of Tuesday’s hike in the price of petrol.

In its condemnation of the hike in petrol price, NBA president, Afam Osigwe, described the development as “deeply troubling”, adding that it would deepen the present hardship and effect of poverty in the country.

“The cascading effects of such a steep increase in fuel prices on the cost of living, transportation, and essential goods and services are deeply troubling,” the statement reads.

“Many Nigerians are already grappling with inflation, unemployment, and other forms of hardship, and this additional financial strain is simply unsustainable. If allowed to persist, this price hike will only deepen the poverty and hardship experienced by the citizens.”

Although Osigwe acknowledged the necessity of economic reforms and recognised the government’s duty to make “tough decisions”, he however, emphasised that such decisions must be taken with “careful consideration and a human face”.

He therefore urged the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the policy and dialogue with relevant stakeholders to explore more sustainable alternatives.

Speaking on the state of the nation, the YCE expressed worry over the worsening economic situation and urged President Tinubu to tackle the current hardship faced by Nigerians.

The YCE, in a statement by its General Secretary, Oladipo Oyewole, said though it was hopeful that there will be a positive turnaround in the country, there is, presently, a lot of suffering in the land.

“Be that as it may, we of YCE stand on our strong position that the interest of the masses to live a good life should be given full attention. Without a regular supply of electricity and with the official announcement of an increase in the price of petrol, the current hardship cannot but be increased in daily living by Nigerians.  The Federal Government ought to immediately pursue every avenue to make available to our people, the dividends of democracy. Not through the distribution of palliatives (that does not seem to filter to the bottom) but by putting in place avenues to enhance proper/quality living through effective governance administration.

“Every Nigerian should be entitled to enjoy our common resources. Indeed, Nigerians are suffering deeply at this time, no light, no fuel, no food. Mr President should, without delay, revisit his drawing board to attend to the short- term needs of Nigerians (the immediate needs of the people) while pursuing the long-term vision of making Nigeria a better place for growth and development.”

Similarly, the Lagos chapter of the NMA has urged President Tinubu to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by immediately reversing the price hike of petrol to its previous level.

Chairman of Lagos NMA, Dr Saheed Kehinde, condemned the recent increase in petrol prices, stating that it has imposed unbearable hardship on Nigerians, including medical and dental professionals, who are already struggling with severe economic challenges and insecurity.

According to Kehinde, many of our members are being forced to leave the country in large numbers due to the deteriorating economic situation, and this recent development will only worsen the already dire circumstances they face.

“The hike in PMS prices comes at a time when Nigerians are enduring unprecedented economic pressures. This decision will impact all sectors, deepening the mental, social, and emotional stress that citizens are currently experiencing.

“With inflation rates soaring and the cost of living at an all-time high, the sudden spike in petrol prices will not only increase poverty levels across the country but also contribute to rising rates of depression, stress-related hospital admissions, social unrest, and even mortality.

“How can we rationalise a situation where doctors, who earn an average of $300 per month, are expected to cope with such astronomical increases in the cost of living? The recent hike in PMS prices has worsened an already unsustainable economic reality for healthcare professionals and all Nigerians, making it nearly impossible for them to manage,” Kehinde said.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

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