How Suddenly Has Your Government Seemingly Nosedived - Edo Group writes Buhari

An Edo State non-governmental, non-partisan group, Edo Forum of Patriots (EFP) has written an open letter to the Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on the lingering economic situation in the country.

Edo Forum of Patriots

The group expressed worry over the near total collapse of the economy since the present administration assumed office.

In a statement signed by the Convener, Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo, copied the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, All Elected National Assembly Members, the Hon. Minister of State – Petroleum Resources, The Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress.

The letter titled “Fuel Scarcity, How Suddenly Has Your Government Seemingly Nosedived: Being an Open Letter to Mr. President by the Edo Forum of Patriots”, lashed at the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu for what it termed “unpalatable prank” that is being played on Nigerians.

EFP said ” We write as free citizens who are concerned without partisan connotation whatsoever on the debilitating state of affairs of our fatherland; and in moving forward, we have dispassionately considered varying factors critical to resolving the logjam, and we do wish to respectfully declare as follows –

the fight against corruption which is one-sided to the fight against insurgency, the fate of the Chibok girls, the instability in economic policies of the country, the fall of the naira against dollar, skyrocketing unemployment rate, erratic and a near total absence of the electricity supply, and most recently the worsened fuel crisis that seems to have overwhelmed your government; and the worst in our nascent history.

“Based on the aforementioned reality, Nigerians are expectedly apprehensive if your government is really moving or just standing, within the context of the pyramid of CHANGE promised during your campaign and inauguration. Of recent, the Minister of state for petroleum, Dr. Ibe kachikwu has continued to apologize to Nigerians for his comments last week drawing scathing criticisms from many Nigerians, including a senior leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, and others calling for his resignation.

“Though, we also support the Minister for delivering a frank message that lacked the usual political preference. We strongly condemn his unpalatable prank that is being played on Nigerians in the last couple of months.

“Never before has the ship of the Nigerian state been steered aground as we have it in the last couple of months. Everything has increased: paper, sugar, rice, bread, pure water and even the cover price of weekdays Newspapers is now N200 naira as against the N150 price before. Some filling stations capitalizing on the fuel crisis are now selling adulterated fuel mixed with kerosene to unsuspecting members of the public.

“These are all the more reasons to get things right once and for all sir! So you won’t continue with the vicious cycle of endless raised and dashed hopes”

The group acknowledged the effort by Buhari’s administration to stamp out corruption, insecurity, provide jobs, but worry that the problem of fuel scarcity has made life difficult for the people.

“Yes, we understand and appreciate what you are doing to make this country great. Your dedication and Governments resolve to stamp out insecurity, tackle corruption, revive the ailing economy, provide jobs and restore hope. But with long and traumatic queues, it means we have to eat with our ears.” The group stressed.

EFP urged the President to stop making excuses casting blames, but to transform the economy as expected.

EFP said: “Sir, we, therefore, suggest that you flee from making excuses and shifting blames, the expectations are high and urgent. We believe you can make this country great that is why you voted for en masse. As full blood Nigerians, we have the right to demand and we do strongly demand that you as our Nation’s leader do initiate a proactive and sustainable action in addressing this fuel palava in Nigeria”.

 

How Suddenly Has Your Government Seemingly Nosedived - Edo Group writes Buhari