Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to address the biting poverty afflicting Nigerians.
Speaking, Friday, at the formal unveiling of The Progressive Institute (TPI) in Abuja, the cleric identified the reduction of the pump price of fuel as a panacea to the high cost of living in the country.
Kukah, while commending the Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led national working committee (NWC) over the establishment of the Institute remarked that it behooves the authorities to cater to the wellbeing of the citizenry.
Reminiscing his experience in the 2023 poll, he said: “A girl was asked, which party do you belong to, APC, LP or PDP? She said ‘I am hungry’, so it’s important to remind our distinguished personalities here that we Nigerians are hungry. You have to find a way of reducing this price of fuel.”
Kukah who applauded the establishment of TPI called on those entrusted with leadership positions to administer their respective domains based on positions of knowledge rather than reliance on “kolanuts chewing advisers”, spiritualists, marabouts, and speculators.
Aliyu Bello who spoke on behalf of the chairmen of the 36 state chapters of the APC acknowledged the existence of hunger among Nigerians adding that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is not resting on its oars in addressing the challenges of hunger and poverty in the country.
The Chairman of the progressives governors forum (PGF), Sen Hope Uzodinma while delivering the inaugural TPI lecture titled: “Sustaining progressive ideology as a bedrock of democracy” described President Tinubu as a consummate progressive who means well for Nigerians.
Admitting that reformatory measures like the fuel subsidy removal remain unpalatable, he assured of better days ahead for Nigerians in dire need of good governance.
Said he: “As Progressives, we are mindful of the fact that public services -education, health care, security, criminal justice, and social services are critical to equal opportunities in a civilized society Often, these can only be achieved through reforms which way seem difficult and unpalatable initially.
“For this reason, cynics may be skeptical of progressive policies, viewing them as unrealistic or economically unsound, To them, I say: Look at the evidence, Progressive policies, when implemented thoughtfully, have lifted millions out of poverty, spurred economic growth, and created more stable, prosperous societies across the world.
“We are not pursuing ideology for its sake – we are pursuing what works, The Progressive Institute will play a critical role in analyzing policy proposals, ensuring that our progressive vision is grounded in sound economic principles and tailored to Nigeria’s unique context,
“Moreover, we acknowledge the challenges ahead. Implementing progressive policies in a diverse and complex nation like Nigeria is no small feat. We will face resistance, setbacks, and unforeseen obstacles and tailwinds.
“But it is precisely because of these challenges that we need The Progressive Institute, It will serve as our compass, guiding us through difficult decisions and helping us stay true to our progressive value even in the face of adversity.”
Highlights of the event graced by the Secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Sen George Akume, Governors Lucky Aidatiwa, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje led national working committee (NWC) and several party chieftains was the unveiling of the TPI by Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari.
