Northern traditional leaders and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) expressed deep concern on Wednesday over the hardships faced by citizens due to the removal of fuel subsidies, leading to increased transportation costs and food inflation. The traditional rulers and the NBA urged the Federal Government to promptly address the situation. Concurrently, President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to hold a closed-door meeting with state governors in Abuja today to discuss potential solutions to the economic crisis.
Confidential sources from the Presidency revealed that the meeting with the governors is scheduled before President Tinubu’s departure to Ethiopia for the African Union meeting. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, and an aide to Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State confirmed their participation in the meeting.
The meeting follows recent comparisons by some Peoples Democratic Party governors, equating Nigeria’s economic challenges to those of Venezuela. The Presidency criticized these governors, highlighting their failure to address issues like salary payments and the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage.
Nationwide protests have erupted in response to the soaring cost of living, with citizens in various states demanding urgent solutions to the economic crisis. Organized labor has also threatened to strike by February 23 if the government fails to provide relief measures for workers.
Addressing the deteriorating socio-economic conditions, the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar lll, emphasized the urgent need to tackle poverty and insecurity. He noted that the government must engage the unemployed youth to avert potential calamities.
NBA President Yakubu Maikyau called on President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and make strategic investments in security systems. Maikyau also urged the President to outline plans for economic recovery and set deadlines for essential economic measures.
In a coordinated effort, President Tinubu is set to meet with all 36 state governors to discuss the economic hardships faced by Nigerians and explore ways to provide relief. The governors are expected to address issues such as food inflation, unemployment, and the deplorable state of federal roads.
As the nation grapples with economic challenges, the Christian Association of Nigeria urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to alleviate the suffering of citizens. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize the well-being of the most vulnerable in society.
In response to attacks on the government, the National Chairman of the ruling party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, urged Nigerians to look beyond distractions and support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. Despite challenges, Ganduje expressed confidence in the party’s commitment to overcoming obstacles and winning future elections.
