The Northern States Christian Elders Forum, NOSCEF, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the latest increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, saying Nigerians’ patience should not be seen as acceptance of hardship.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, the forum said the increase would put more pressure on families already battling high food prices, transport fares and other basic costs.
“The patience of Nigerians should not be mistaken for acceptance of perpetual hardship,” NOSCEF warned.
The elders urged Tinubu to focus the remaining period of his administration on the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and poor infrastructure.
They also asked the government to seek other sustainable ways to raise revenue instead of repeatedly increasing petrol prices.
“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.
Oibe said the hardship across the country showed that more needed to be done, while warning against officials or supporters giving the President a rosier picture 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,” NOSCEF said.
The forum called for lower living costs, more jobs, stronger security measures and faster work on critical infrastructure.
“Government must respond with empathy, urgency and practical solutions,” NOSCEF said.
