Nigerian Government Faces Backlash for Subsidy Removal and Alleged Lack of Empathy

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has faced severe backlash from the Free Nigeria Movement due to its authoritarian declaration regarding the removal of subsidies.

The group in a press statement on Thursday denounces the government’s lack of consideration for the suffering masses and raises questions about the true intentions behind this abrupt decision.

The Free Nigeria Movement lambasts the government for its failure to provide adequate cushioning mechanisms to alleviate the immense pain that will be inflicted on the already impoverished citizens.

They highlight the fact that the previous administration of President Mohammadu Buhari had scheduled the withdrawal of subsidy for June 2023, making the urgency of the current pronouncement questionable.

Drawing attention to the elitist nature of the petroleum industry, the statement accuses the government of further inspiring the greed of the privileged few at the expense of the suffering Nigerian people.

The recent upward revision of fuel prices by the NNPC Limited, amounting to a nearly 200% nationwide hike, is seen as a callous move considering the recent economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

They emphasize the dire consequences of this subsidy removal on various sectors of society, such as the manufacturing industry, private and government establishments, and vulnerable groups like pregnant women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

The group expresses deep concern for the dreams and aspirations of the nation’s youth, which will be severely impacted by this decision.

Questioning the leadership and inspiration provided by the President, the press statement criticizes the government’s attempt to absolve itself of responsibility for the actions of the petroleum industry. It calls for accountability, demanding to know the state of fuel prices prior to the pronouncement and the level of indifference shown to the Nigerian people.

The Free Nigeria Movement calls on all Nigerians to voice their displeasure through legal means and peaceful protests, should the government fail to reverse this decision within the next seven days. They emphasize the importance of collaboration among citizens and urge the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to stand firm with the poor people of Nigeria, refusing to compromise their position.

The statement further highlights the duty of every Nigerian to demand good governance, responsible leadership, and a credible route to power. It calls for unity and a collective defense of the country’s dignity, stressing that Nigeria can only thrive when all its citizens are treated with respect and justice.