By Chinenye Festus:-
Following several lamentations of the poor Nigerian masses over the increase in electricity tariff and the hike in the price of petrol during this harsh economic downturn.
The APC governors have agreed to make an important move on behalf of Nigerians. The governors have resolved to meet and beg President Muhammadu Buhari for a downward review of the increased price of petrol and electricity tariffs.
Governor Baduru Abubakar of Jigawa state disclosed this on Tuesday, September 8. He assured Nigerians that they have listened to their cries and will definitely discuss with President Buhari to see if there are ways they will review the increases to ameliorate people’s suffering.,
He also said the outcome of the meeting will be made known to the public after they met the president.
“We have concluded plans to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss the possible review of the price of fuel and that of electricity.” Governor Abubakar told journalists.
You would recall that the Federal government through its minister of information and culture Alhaji Lai Mohammad on Monday, September 7 addressed the issues surrounding the increase in electricity tariff and petrol price.
Mohammed said the grumbling and angry reactions of Nigerians as regards the increase is unnecessary and ‘totally mischievous’
“The truth of the matter is that subsidizing fuel is no longer feasible, especially under the prevailing economic conditions in the country. “The government can no longer afford fuel subsidy, as revenues and foreign exchange earnings have fallen by almost 60%, due to the downturn in the fortunes of the oil sector. Yet, the government has had to sustain expenditures, especially on salaries and capital projects.”