Stampede: Address hunger in Nigeria, CNPP tells Tinubu

Following the stampede that claimed many lives in the country, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has expressed deep concern over the escalating hunger and suffering faced by millions of Nigerians, saying that this is a direct consequence of the Federal Government’s policies.

According to CNPP, recent tragic incidents, including stampedes resulting in loss of life as citizens scramble for palliatives, especially food and basic necessities, underscore the urgent need for immediate action from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The CNPP, in a statement by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, said that it firmly believes that the current economic policies have had devastating short-term impacts, leading to increased hardship for the populace.

He said, “It is imperative that the federal and state governments prioritize the survival of its citizens before they can even begin to enjoy the so-called long-term benefits of ongoing reforms in the country. The reality is that Nigerians must be kept alive first; only then can they contribute to the nation’s economic growth and development.

“We therefore call on President Tinubu to immediately reconsider the pricing of petroleum products, particularly in light of the recent completion of the Port Harcourt Refinery’s rehabilitation and the ongoing loading of petroleum products at the refurbished refinery.

“We equally call on the President to urgently consider releasing crude oil at a highly subsidized to local refineries, including Dangote Refinery for domestic consumption.”

The CNPP spokesman explained that “This will lead to a reduction in fuel prices, which is essential to alleviate the burden of transportation costs and the expenses associated with fueling power generators for manufacturing companies.

“Nigeria is endowed with abundant material and human resources, yet the increasing cost of food and basic necessities has reached unprecedented and unacceptable levels across the country.”

The CNPP then called “for an immediate and comprehensive response from the Tinubu administration and state governments to address these pressing issues.

“We urge the government at all levels to implement policies that prioritize the welfare of the people, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the quest for economic recovery and stability.

“We implore President Tinubu to take decisive action to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and to create an environment where citizens can thrive. The time for rhetoric is over; it is time for tangible action that reflects the needs and realities of the Nigerian people.”