Give Tinubu benefit of doubt, group implores Nigerians
By Kayode Adebiyi
Coalition for the Survival of Nigeria (CSN), a civil society organisation, has said hardship occasioned by the removal of subsidy on petroleum was not lost of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at a news conference on the state of the nation on Monday in Abuja, the coalition said it was optimistic that in no time, the palliative measures being rolled out would sufficiently cushion the effects of the economic policy.
Chairman of the coalition, Chief Ezekiel Afukonyo, said Tinubu should be commended for his courage to confront the issue of subsidy by introducing bold measures.
“We are fully aware of the present economic circumstances of the country and are concerned about the plight of fellow citizens.
“We also salute the patience, forbearance and support of Nigerians and urge the president to remain focused and committed to the rescue of Nigeria’s economy from corruption.
“We believe that to set Nigeria on the path of growth and development, sacrifices have to be made. We therefore implore Nigerians to give the measures put in place time to bear fruit,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two major economic policies – removal of subsidy on petrol and the floatation of foreign exchange – were announced by Tinubu in his inauguration speech on May 29.
The government insists that the measures were necessary to free up funds for developmental projects and curb corruption and economic sabotage.
However, the measures have drastically raised the general cost of living among ordinary Nigerians, thereby prompting the government to announce palliative measures.
CSN also applauded organised labour, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), for opting for dialogue in addressing the issue.
On the situation in Niger Republic, the coalition commended ECOWAS for its prompt response to the political crisis but cautioned against the use of force.
“We must avoid military action but exhaust all diplomatic avenues because, in such situations, military incursion should be the final resort only when all other avenues had failed.”
The group also commended Tinubu for the quality of his appointments so far.
It described the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as “round pegs in round holes”. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
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