Don’t Mistake Nigerians’ Patience for Acceptance of Hardship — Northern Christian Elders Warn Tinubu
The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the latest increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), warning that Nigerians’ patience amid worsening economic pressures should not be mistaken for acceptance of hardship.
The forum made the call in a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, amid concerns over rising food prices, transportation costs and other essential household expenses.
NOSCEF said the latest petrol price increase would further weaken the purchasing power of Nigerians and place additional pressure on families and businesses already struggling with high living costs.
The Christian elders urged President Tinubu to use the remaining period of his administration to focus on measures that would ease the economic burden on citizens, including reducing the cost of living, creating jobs, strengthening security and addressing critical infrastructure deficits.
According to the forum, if the Federal Government requires additional revenue to finance its programmes and obligations, it should explore alternative and sustainable sources rather than continually transferring the burden to citizens through higher petroleum prices.
The group also cautioned the President against being insulated from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians by officials or supporters who may present a more favourable picture of the economy.
NOSCEF said its position was informed by its members’ direct contact with communities across the country, where they witness the effects of rising living costs and other economic challenges.
While acknowledging that the administration had made efforts in some areas, the forum maintained that more needed to be done to address the hardship confronting citizens.
It called for urgent measures to restore household purchasing power, create productive opportunities for young Nigerians, strengthen the fight against insecurity and accelerate the rehabilitation and provision of critical infrastructure.
“The patience of Nigerians should not be mistaken for acceptance of perpetual hardship,” the forum warned.
NOSCEF further urged the Federal Government to make citizens’ welfare a central consideration in major economic decisions, stressing that continued public patience should not be interpreted as an unlimited willingness to endure worsening living conditions.
