In the height of fuel scarcity and epileptic power supply with humongous electricity bill, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has urged President Bola Tinubu to get rid of ‘saboteurs in the petroleum and power sectors to permanently nip the fuel scarcity and epileptic power supply in the bud.’
This was contained in a statement made available on Monday by the CNG National Coordinator, Com. Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi demanded an explanation of the measures deployed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the GMD of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to curb the current fuel scarcity.
“The CNG is of the view that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) must deploy some of the strategies they deployed in addressing the forex crisis to get rid of some saboteurs in the petroleum and power sectors to permanently nip the fuel scarcity and epileptic power supply in the bud.
“We are therefore compelled to counsel President Tinubu to take result-oriented actions to put a halt to the dual devastating exploitations through artificial fuel scarcity and inhumane electricity tariff increment by a select few that must be held accountable.”
Pointing out the implication of fuel scarcity, CNG urged President Tinubu to engage the marketers and NNPLC to end the artificially created fuel scarcity.
“President Bola Tinubu must engage with NNPLC and marketers to pursue an immediate and comprehensive solution to this artificially-created fuel scarcity as a ploy by unscrupulous elements in the system to sabotage it and ooze out the remnant of good life from ordinary Nigerians. The CNG argues that excuses from the Marketers and explanations from the NNPLC are flawed and untenable as there are no fundamental disruptions in the system that can warrant current predicament.
“The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the GMD of the NNPLC must explain measures being taken to end the fuel scarcity and ensure that fuel is available to citizens at affordable prices.”
The statement warned that if this is not settled, the already agitated Nigerians may not continue to wallow in misery and suffering which was caused by the incompetence and corruption of a few individuals.
The statement reads in part, “The CNG noted that it is deeply concerned about the persistent and debilitating fuel scarcity that has plagued Nigeria recently, causing untold hardship to citizens across the country.
“We are outraged at the failure of the relevant authorities to address this critical issue that directly affects millions of ordinary Nigerians, resulting in long queues at fuel stations, hike in transportation costs, and untold suffering for millions of law-abiding Nigerians.
“The CNG is dismayed that despite the assurances from the NNPCL, the fuel scarcity has continued to worsen selling above N1000 per liter, leading to skyrocketing prices of goods and services.
“We are worried that if this situation is not addressed urgently, it could lead to further impoverishment and destitution of the already dejected Nigerians; thus, the CNG demands that the Executive and the Legislative arms need to understand the implications of fuel scarcity on national security and the economy.
“The CNG urges the Federal Government and the National Assembly to take this matter seriously and act with urgency to address the situation as it has the potential to erode lives and livelihoods if left unchecked.
“We warn that if the issue is not decisively dealt with, Nigerians will continue to view them as monstrous and wicked people that are after their personal aggrandizement to the detriment of unsuspecting Nigerians.
“Nigerians may not continue to endure more sufferings due to the incompetence and corruption of a few individuals without due regards to their human dignity and minimum means of economic survival with a fickle prosperity.”
Speaking on electricity, it said the group was alarmed at the deterioration of the power sector and the high cost of electricity bills owing to the increment and differentiation of Nigerians in Band A or B which has further divided the people.
It said, “The CNG rejects the outrageous increment imposed on Nigerians which has further exacerbated the already dire living conditions of the people.
“The recent raise, which has increased the cost of electricity by over 200%, is not only discriminatory but also insensitive to the plight of the poor and working-class Nigerians through exploitations by the power sector operators.
“We challenge the leaders to prove their concern and compassion to the masses through leveraging on their power and influence to bring succor to Nigerians.”
