Christian leaders in Nigeria, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to implement social welfare schemes to cushion the effects of the latest petrol price increment.
They encouraged government to facilitate repairs of local refineries, stressing that it would not only reduce the cost of fuel but also create employment for the youths.
Those who spoke at the 7th Induction Anniversary and Media Launch of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Worldwide, ESOCS’, Centenary Celebration Plan in Lagos, included Prelate and Baba Aladura of ESCOS, Dr David Bob-Manuel.
They said Nigeria, a nation rich in diversity and resilience, was presently facing socio- economic crisis as many had been thrown into abject poverty due to poor economic policies.
Speaking at the event, Dr Bob-Manuel said Naira has depreciated, thereby eroding the purchasing power and fuelling economic hardship.
He said: “At the outset of this new government in May 2023, several economic policies were rolled out, one of which was the removal of fuel subsidy. We are all witnesses to the astronomical prices of basic needs of citizens, especially the cost of feeding and transportation. This has made the lives of the vulnerable miserable and even the civil servants are not insulated from the hardship.
“I encourage government to facilitate the repairs of all the moribund refineries in Nigeria. Era of importing petroleum products should end. Refining our crude oil would promote employment for the teeming youths, reduce cost of fuel and related products and promote economic development.
“We should focus on production of goods locally since the market is there. Agriculture and industrialisation should be the bane of our economic policies. Government should also create public awareness programmes in educating the citizens on the reasons behind subsidy removal or its reintroduction recently and the long-term benefits for a more efficient and transparent energy market.”
President of Christians Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Chukwudumebi Okoh, on his part, urged government officials to desist from telling Nigerians lies.
According to him, the one thing that could save the country from its current crisis was honest leadership.
While calling on members of society to tell the truth, he said: “The truth remains the truth any day, any time. There is no old or new truth. It must be told. That is what will save us as a people – country. Let us stop deception. There is no alternative to the truth.”
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