The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to address the biting poverty afflicting Nigerians.

This came as Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) urged the Federal Government to immediately direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to reverse the present hike in the pump price of petrol in the country to save Nigerians from further hardship.

Speaking on Friday at the formal unveiling of The Progressive Institute (TPI) in Abuja, Kukah identified the reduction of pump price of fuel as the solution to the high cost of living in the country.

Kukah, while commending the Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC for establishing the Institute, noted that it behooves the authorities to cater to the wellbeing of the citizenry.

Reminiscing his experience in the 2023 polls, 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 than reliance on “kolanuts chewing advisers, spiritualists, marabouts and speculators.”

Speaking on behalf of the chairmen of the 36 states chapters of the APC, Alhaji Aliyu Bello acknowledged that Nigerians were indeed hungry, but added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration would not rest on its oars in addressing the challenges of hunger and poverty in the country.

The Chairman of the Progressive 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. He said: “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 civilised society. Often, these can only be achieved through reforms, which may 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 analysing 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.”

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the TPI by Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari.

The event was graced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume; Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, members of the NWC of the party and several party chieftains .

The NCYP, in a statement issued by its chairman, Isaac Abraks, on Friday, “acknowledged the recent transition from the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to local production and supply in Nigeria”, adding that the situation should not bring further hardship and poverty on the citizens.

According to him, the shift has already brought challenges, noting that prior to the supply of the locally produced fuel by Dangote Refinery, “the steep surge in the pump price of PMS from ₦617 per litre to ₦855, and in some cases, as high as ₦1,200, has caused undue hardship on the populace.” 

He added: “This increase is particularly concerning, as it exacerbates the strain on an economy that is being repositioned for genuine development.

“NCYP is confident that the current surge in PMS prices is not the outcome envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he made the courageous decision to remove the fuel subsidy. We, therefore, call on Mr. President to take decisive action to address the current situation. We urge him to implement necessary changes within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and his administration to ensure that his campaign promise of making life easier for all Nigerians is fulfilled.”

Similarly, the General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, The Bible Society of Nigeria, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, has condemned the hike in the pump price of petrol, calling on President Tinubu to write his name in gold by doing whatever he can do to make the nation’s refineries work so as to stop further importation of the petrol. 

Sanusi made the call yesterday during a media chat on the 11th edition of African Leadership Biblical Initiative (ABLI) Conference with the theme, ‘Value-Based Leadership: Model for Africa’ scheduled for October 21- 24, 2024, at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre, Abuja from 9.00am daily. 

Sanusi disclosed that former president Olusegun Obasanjo will serve as the chairman of the event while the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu will be the Special Guest of Honour.  He named other guests to include Patron, BSN, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, among others.

The keynote speakers include former Chief Justice of South Africa, Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and the Founder/Chief Executive, Carmel Global Capital, New York, Dr. Zienzi Dillon.