The Catholic Bishops of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province (KEP) have called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the swift removal of the fuel subsidy, which they believe has driven Nigeria into economic turmoil.
According to the bishops, reversing this policy should not be seen as a sign of weakness but rather as a demonstration of responsible leadership.
Following their Second Plenary session on Tuesday in Kaduna, KEP Chairman Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso expressed concern over the abrupt manner in which the subsidy was removed. “While the subsidy has indeed strained the nation’s finances over the past 25 years and needed to be addressed, the president’s sudden announcement has had severe repercussions on the psychological and economic well-being of the populace,” Ndagoso stated.
The bishops suggested a phased approach to the subsidy removal, advocating for gradual reductions over time. “For instance, a 25% reduction over six months, accompanied by palliatives, would have been more considerate. It’s crucial to prioritize the people’s well-being, even if it means extending the process over a decade to avoid undue hardship,” Ndagoso added.
The KEP also proposed other measures to curb excessive public expenditure, including reducing the Presidential fleet, reconsidering the purchase of a new plane for the president, and banning the use of foreign cars by public officials. These actions, they believe, could restore confidence among Nigerians. They also urged the president to engage directly with local industrialists to promote employment and self-sufficiency.
Addressing the recent nationwide protests against hunger, Ndagoso emphasized the importance of democratic values and consensus-building. He urged the president to focus on dialogue rather than viewing dissent as opposition. “Protests, when managed within a robust social fabric, can lead to constructive change. However, in a society weakened by illiteracy, poverty, and corruption, they can become counterproductive,” he warned.
Reflecting on the nature of the protests, Ndagoso observed that they highlighted the deep-seated issues within the nation, including political, ethnic, and religious divisions. Despite the fact that many Nigerians chose not to participate, he noted that the protests signaled a step toward democratic maturity, albeit one that still offers lessons to be learned.
In closing, Ndagoso expressed his dismay at the sight of Russian flags being hoisted in Nigeria, a nation that once held the potential to surpass many developed countries. “This is a stark reminder of how far we have fallen due to poor leadership,” he lamented.
