Leaders from the Nigerian Baptist Conference, Senator Shehu Sani, and former Kaduna State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the interest of the masses to alleviate hardships amid rising petrol prices and the resulting economic strain.
Speaking at the 64th Baptist Ministers Conference in Kaduna on Wednesday, the leaders emphasised the devastating impact of fuel price increases on Nigerians’ daily lives.
Sani who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Assembly, acknowledged the tremendous suffering caused by economic reforms.
He emphasised that, while transformation requires sacrifices, they should not be carried primarily by the poor and urged leaders in authority to set an example by making their own sacrifices.
“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,” Sani emphasised.
Rev. Israel Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Conference, voiced similar comments, encouraging the government to moderate the speed of economic reforms to reduce the burden on residents.
He argued for a reduction in fuel prices, claiming that reducing fuel costs would benefit food prices, rent, and school fees.
Rev. Joseph Hayab, former CAN Chairman, also stated that, while progress has been made in the war against terrorism, the fear of kidnapping and bloodshed continues to stalk the country.
He asked the administration to act decisively to eradicate all terrorists and restore peace and security to the people.
