KINGSLEY EBERE
The coalition of human rights groups, led by Comrade Saviour Prince Iche, has decried the state of the Nigerian economy and called on Government to give full support to Dangote refinery in order to function effectively and help to revive the economy.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the groups under the coalition stated this during a press conference on the State of the Nation held in Lagos State over the plight of people currently across the country.
It was the second phase of the press conference themed, ‘State of the Nation, which had representatives of the various human rights bodies in attendance including, Comrade Neye Solomon, member of CDHR and AMPEF; Comr Daniel Oguine, executive member of CDHR, AMPEF, Joint Action Front; Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, convener, Ambassadors of Peace and Enlightenment Foundation (AMPEF—Voice of the Voiceless); Comrade Olusegun Adeeko, convener, Know Your Rights for Justice (KnockRights); Comrade Amb. Ajimotokin Bankole, Centre for Human Rights Activists (CHERA); others.
Highlights of the deliberations were centered on the effect of the removal of fuel subsidies, which has affected all the aspects of the economy with the masses struggling for survival.
Comrade Leye Solomon stated that the removal of subsidies caused the increase in pump prices, hike in essential commodities, transportation, building costs, amongst others. He stated that there was need for continuous demonstration to put the government and her policies to check to tackle the issue of hardship in Nigeria.
Comrade Daniel Oguine opined that the hardship faced by the masses should be of concern to the leadership of this present administration than purchase of the presidential jet, building of first lady’s office, and renovation of the vice president’s office running into billions of Naira.
He regretted that Nigeria’s crude has been sold up front, hence Dangote and other refineries were unable to get crude from Nigeria but purchase overseas in dollars, a further reason for the devaluation of the Naira.
Comrade Adeeko lamented over the failure of government policies to have impact on the masses like the removal of subsidies, closure of borders, corruption etc.
He called on the Government to stop the distribution of palliatives and the bogus salaries and allowances for judges, senators, ministers, and governors and make room for subsistence, accountability, and a positive output of the country’s natural resources to cushion the effects of hardship.
Comrade Ajimotokin opined that the president’s advisory board members should be removed and replaced with right-thinkers, who will revive the economy to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
The convener of the conference, Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, opined that Tinubu’s administration failed on arrival because of his choice of ministers, who he claimed were of questionable characters as some of them were wanted persons by the EFCC before appointments into this new government.
He regretted that the present administration focused on misplaced priorities like spending billions of Naira to sponsor Nigerian athletes for the Olympics, appointment of ministers based on preference, not area of specialization or field of expertise, destabilizing operations for Dangote refinery to function, and many other obstacles which has affected the masses.
Comrade Iche stated that in a situation where some locals were busted by the Navy for illegally refining crude oil, he suggested that the government should have seize such opportunities to enhance the local production of petroleum instead of apprehending them.
He stated that the NNPC Limited chairman, Mele Kyari, should be sacked for his irresponsible policies; Dangote and other refineries must function without blockages while positing that subsidy is an organized crime by the government officials.
Comrade Iche stated that the Civil Society Organizations will be embarking on solidarity visit to Dangote refinery on facts finding mission and support them on their battle with NNPCL over supply of crude oil.