The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), a prominent Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has called on President Bola Tinubu to swiftly reverse the recent increase in fuel pump prices.
This appeal comes as Nigerians prepare for a hunger protest scheduled from August 1 to 10, aimed at highlighting the economic difficulties faced by citizens amid the government’s ongoing reforms.
In a statement issued today by its President, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, the OPC urged the government to engage in dialogue with the leaders of the upcoming protests. They emphasized the need for immediate action to reverse the hikes in electricity tariffs and reduce food and fuel prices as a gesture of goodwill toward the populace.
“A hungry man is an angry man,” Afolabi stated, underscoring the necessity for the government to lower the costs of essential goods and services to demonstrate its commitment to citizens’ welfare.
The organization also highlighted the importance of President Tinubu issuing an Executive Order to reopen all borders in the South-West and South-South regions of Nigeria. This measure, they argued, would facilitate the swift inflow of food supplies and help stabilize prices.
Afolabi further encouraged the government to prioritize the revitalization of the nation’s refineries to ensure domestic fuel production, thereby addressing the persistent issues of scarcity and high prices. He questioned why maintaining operational refineries has proven difficult since civilian governance resumed in 1999, contrasting this with the rapid establishment of a refinery by businessman Aliko Dangote.
“The government must identify and confront the cabals obstructing progress and making life challenging for ordinary Nigerians,” Afolabi asserted. He emphasized that Nigeria is a shared heritage and that all citizens should benefit from its resources.
Additionally, the OPC called for a reduction in the cost of governance. Afolabi remarked, “It is unacceptable for politicians to live extravagantly on public funds while urging citizens to tighten their belts. The government must implement austerity measures during these challenging times.”
The socio-cultural group urged law enforcement to ensure that the demonstrations remain peaceful and are not exploited by hoodlums for looting or violence. Afolabi warned against allowing protests to escalate into chaos, citing the unrest in Kenya as a cautionary example.
“Protesters and the government in Kenya lost control, leading to tragic consequences. We cannot afford to follow that path. Nigeria is our only home, and we must prevent civil protests from spiraling out of control.”
