“Don’t Worsen Our Pains with Petrol Price Hike,” Yoruba Elders Tell Tinubu

The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, urging President Bola Tinubu to swiftly address the suffering faced by millions of citizens. In a statement issued by the General Secretary of the YCE, Oladipo Oyewole, the group called on the government to focus on alleviating the immediate hardships experienced by the populace, particularly in light of recent increases in the price of petroleum products.

While maintaining hope for a brighter future for Nigeria, the YCE highlighted the current struggles facing Nigerians, noting that “there is, presently, a lot of suffering in the land.” The council called on the government to prioritize improving living conditions, particularly with the country’s ongoing energy crisis and rising fuel costs, which have exacerbated the difficulties of daily life.

“The YCE remains hopeful that Nigeria will experience a positive turnaround. However, going by the scant information on government actions, there is, at present, much suffering,” the statement read. The council stressed that without consistent electricity supply and with the recent hike in petroleum prices, the hardships faced by Nigerians would only worsen.

The YCE urged the government to pursue meaningful solutions, beyond temporary palliatives, to ensure Nigerians benefit from the nation’s resources. “Not through the distribution of palliatives that do not seem to reach the grassroots, but by putting in place mechanisms to ensure proper governance and quality living,” the statement continued.

The council further emphasized the need for urgent attention to the “short-term needs” of the people, while also working on long-term goals for national growth and development. It urged the administration to take swift action to address the pressing challenges of fuel scarcity, power shortages, and food insecurity.

“The state of the nation today is bitter, and immediate steps must be taken by President Tinubu’s administration to ease the suffering of all Nigerians,” the YCE concluded. The council reiterated its call for decisive leadership and effective governance to bring relief to the masses and steer the country toward a more prosperous future.

The YCE’s statement serves as a reminder of the growing discontent among Nigerians, who are grappling with economic challenges amid rising costs of living, and the urgent need for comprehensive government intervention.