In the midst of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance national protest, the Niger Delta Youth Council, a sociopolitical group in the South-South region, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the root cause of the protest by reducing fuel prices to N180 per litre or even lower for the betterment of the national economy.
This appeal was conveyed in a statement jointly issued by the President and Secretary of NDYC, Bene Mamamu and Onitsha Shedrack, which was shared with journalists in Warri, Delta State, on Saturday.
The group specifically called on Tinubu to reassess his economic policies that are negatively impacting Nigerians and contributing to the current unrest.
According to the statement, “Since the removal of fuel subsidies, Nigerians have been grappling with severe hardships, affecting businesses, individuals, and the overall economy.”
The NDYC commended Tinubu for providing relief measures but suggested that these resources should instead be utilized to fully subsidize petroleum products before addressing other infrastructural needs.
While urging for peaceful protests, the group cautioned against violence and destruction of public property, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and resolution.
Furthermore, the group called for a nationwide stakeholder meeting across all six geopolitical zones to deliberate on sustainable long-term solutions to the prevailing challenges.
They emphasized the urgency of addressing issues such as commercialization of education, currency value fluctuations, and increased electricity tariffs, which have exacerbated job losses and economic instability.
The NDYC plans to engage counterparts from various regions in a discussion with President Tinubu to propose strategies for mitigating the high cost of living and improving economic conditions.
The statement concluded with an appeal for peace among protesters and a plea for the government to prioritize economic policies that benefit all Nigerians.
It is imperative for the authorities to take decisive actions to alleviate the economic burden and restore stability in the country for the welfare of all citizens.