Tinubu should make personal sacrifices to ease Nigerians’ suffering – Shehu Sani

A former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly Senator Shehu Sani, has urged President Bola Tinubu and other political officeholders to make personal sacrifices to soften the blow of the skyrocketing fuel prices on the Nigerian masses.

Sani’s appeal followed the recent hike in the pump price of petroleum products by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the national oil company jacked up the price of fuel from N897 per litre to N1,030 in Abuja; from N855 to N998 in Lagos; N1, 070 in North-East; N1,025 in other South-West states; N1,045 in South-East and N1,075 in South-South.

The development sparked angry reactions from Nigerians who called on Tinubu to ensure a reversal to the old price of petroleum, a sentiment echoed by various labour unions.

In his reaction, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, wondered if increasing petrol pump prices was the only essence of the Tinubu government.

Sani joins call for reduction in petrol prices

Weighing in on the conversation, Sani said the poor masses should not be the sole sufferers of the negative consequences of the petrol price hike.

He disclosed this while speaking at the 64th Baptist Ministers Conference in Kaduna on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Sani said the country can’t afford to ignore its massive population amid the prevalent economic hardship, urging elected officials to lead by example to move the nation forward.

“We are a nation of 224 million people, and we cannot ignore the serious economic challenges facing the masses. The President, Ministers, Governors, Senators, and those in authority must lead by making sacrifices to move the nation forward,” he said.

For his part, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Conference, Reverend Israel Akanji, shared Sani’s sentiments, calling on the government to manage the pace of economic reforms to ease the burden on citizens.

Akanji demanded a reduction in fuel prices, noting that lower fuel costs would trickle down on food prices, rent, and school fees.

Similarly, a former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna chapter, Reverend Joseph Hayab, who highlighted the progress made in the fight against terrorism, said the ongoing threat of kidnapping and violence continues to haunt the country.

He urged the government to take decisive action to get rid of all terrorists and restore peace and security for the people.