Democracy Day Palliatives Yet to Mitigate Effect of subsidy Removal – Catholic BishopsubsidyDemocracy Day Palliatives Yet to Mitigate Effect of subsidy Removal – Catholic Bishop

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin 

The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Ilorin, Most Reverend Anselm Pendo Lawani, has said that distribution of palliatives to the people of the country to cushion effect of oil subsidy removal have not significantly mitigated the effect of the subsidy removal policy in the country.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, to mark Democracy Day, themed, “The Church and State Collaboration for Harmonious Living and for the Common Good,” in Ilorin on Tuesday, the cleric appealed to government to do more to bring succour to the impoverished citizens. 

According to him, “Incessant increase in the pump price of petrol, occasioned by the subsidy removal from petroleum products last year, has continued to impact other sectors adversely. 

“Prices of services and goods in the markets, including agricultural commodities, keep soaring in geometric progression.

 “The situation is indeed gruesome and painful even as government at different levels continue to grapple with some recovery initiatives for the nation’s economy. 

“It is unfortunate that the palliative measures being taken have not significantly mitigated the effect of the subsidy removal policy. 

“Many Nigerians are groaning and lamenting due to high inflation and high cost of living everywhere.

 “Greater percentage of the populace is living below the poverty line in the midst of super abundance of human and natural resources our nation is blessed with. Many are living in squalour and slums, unable to have three-square meal a day”.

Most Reverend Lawani also asked the Kwara State Government to execute ongoing road expansion work in Ilorin, the state capital, with human face, saying that the project had been reported to be having adverse effects on businesses.

“Many people have been displaced from their means of livelihood. How would such people feed themselves and their family members? Such project needs to be executed with human face by providing alternative places for those directly affected”, he said.

The cleric, who commended the Kwara State Government on area of infrastructure provision, said that the state government is making positive impact. 

He added: “Infrastructural facilities such as motorable roads, electricity, potable water, no doubt, enhance rapid socioeconomic development. The present administration efforts need to be highly commended. 

“However, it has been observed that the infrastructural facilities, especially the constructed roads, are unevenly spread. On this note, therefore, we appeal to the Kwara State Government to ensure that all nooks and crannies of the state enjoy fair distribution of the social amenities. 

“For instance, if there are good roads in the rural areas, it will motivate and energize the inhabitants towards bringing farm produce to urban centres with ease. Individuals, groups and organizations find it hard to go into providing these amenities because it is capital intensive”. 

He opined that, “When a nation’s resources are well managed, the people skillfully governed; the citizens are better off in terms of their social wellbeing. This is a major concern why this Democracy Day Press Conference is considered imperative. 

“It is our hope that all of us as good citizens will collaborate with the government to realize the dream of a better Nigeria as we celebrate the twenty fifth anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance. The government has the role to protect life and property.

“As good citizens we are to pay our taxes and be law abiding. Nigeria has made some progress, but significant challenges remain in some notable areas, which must not be brushed aside; Security; protection of lives and property, health care, advancement in science and technology, provision of sufficient food, education, to mention a few. 

“Political leaders must not relent; they must rise up to the occasion and deliver on the collective vision of the citizens. 

“The Church as a body is ready to collaborate with the state towards facilitating initiatives that foster better understanding, unity and cooperation of people of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds inhabiting the state.

 “Everything is geared towards harmonious living and rapid socioeconomic development for the common good of all”.