Elder statesmen in Nigeria under the aegis of the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), have called on the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, including reviewing the price of petrol and electricity.
They therefore called for improved security, particularly for farmers in rural areas who are crucial to the nation’s food security.
The Chairman of NCEF and former Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Dr Samuel Danjuma Dani, made the recommendations in a statement issued after their meeting to deliberate on the current state of the nation.
Apart from Gani, other members of NCEF are Pastor Bosun Emmanuel (Secretary), Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Vice Chairman (North); Elder Shyngle Wigwe, Vice Chairman (South); Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Hon. Treasurer; Prof. Joseph Otubu, Dr. (Mrs) Kate Okparaeke, Dr. Ayo Abifarin, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd), Hon. Justice James Ogebe, JSC (rtd); Elder Moses Ihonde, Hon. Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (rtd), Elder Nat Okoro, Mr. Solomon Asemota (SAN) and Elder Matthew Owojaiye.
Others are DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Prof. (Mrs) Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye, HRM Oba Dokun Thompson, Dr. Taiwo Idemudia (Diaspora), Elder Minso Gadzama, Apostle Bulus Musa Kewa, Admiral Peter Adeniyi (Rtd), Hon. Justice Goddy Anunihu (Rtd) and Chief Sir Ferdinand Anikwe.
The full statement reads: statement said, “Following our discussions, we wish to present the following recommendations to the President and Government:
“Review of Petrol Prices: We urge the Government to reconsider the recent increase in petrol prices, which have led to a significant rise in the cost of food and other essential commodities.
“Addressing the Impact of Protests: It is important to acknowledge that the recent protests by some Nigerians were because of the increase in petrol prices and aggravating hardship faced by the populace. We recommend a downward review of petrol prices to alleviate the suffering of the people.
“Reduction in Electricity Costs: We advocate for a reduction in electricity tariffs to enable Nigerians to produce goods and services more economically. This measure will enhance productivity and create employment opportunities for our burgeoning youth population.
“Enhanced Security Measures: We call for improved security, particularly for farmers in rural areas who are crucial to the nation’s food security. While we recognize the Government’s efforts in this regard, we urge for more immediate and effective actions.
“We firmly believe that these straightforward recommendations will significantly alleviate the current hardships experienced by many Nigerians. We trust in the Government’s wisdom and political will to implement these measures.”
The full statement titled: APPEAL TO THE PRESIDENT AND GOVERNMENT TO SHOW MORE EMPATHY TO NIGERIANS DURING THESE CHALLENGING TIMES, reads:
The National Christian Elders Forum convened on September 12, 2024, to deliberate on the current state of the nation. Following our discussions, we wish to present the following recommendations to the President and Government:
1. Review of Petrol Prices: We urge the Government to reconsider the recent increase in petrol prices, which have led to a significant rise in the cost of food and other essential commodities.
2. Addressing the Impact of Protests: It is important to acknowledge that the recent protests by some Nigerians were because of the increase in petrol prices and aggravating hardship faced by the populace. We recommend a downward review of petrol prices to alleviate the suffering of the people.
3. Reduction in Electricity Costs: We advocate for a reduction in electricity tariffs to enable Nigerians to produce goods and services more economically. This measure will enhance productivity and create employment opportunities for our burgeoning youth population.
4. Enhanced Security Measures: We call for improved security, particularly for farmers in rural areas who are crucial to the nation’s food security. While we recognize the Government’s efforts in this regard, we urge for more immediate and effective actions.
We firmly believe that these straightforward recommendations will significantly alleviate the current hardships experienced by many Nigerians. We trust in the Government’s wisdom and political will to implement these measures.
DR S.D. Gani, CON
Chairman
National Christians Elders Forum
23rd September 2024
