2 months ago
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Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Kukah has said reducing the current price of fuel will be the greatest legacy of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Bishop also said many Nigerians are hungry due to the economic hardship occasioned by the increase in the price of fuel.
He stated this at the formal unveiling of The Progressive Institute, a brain child of the Abdullahi Ganduje-led National Working Committee, in Abuja on Friday.
He said, “I once asked a girl if she is in APC, PDP or Labour and she said I am hungry. And so since I am speaking to those who are in power, please know that we Nigerians are hungry.
“Find a way of reducing the price of fuel. Find a way of keeping our country secured. That will be the greatest legitimacy of any government.”
The preacher further raised concerns about the unhealthy practice of government officials in the country.
He noted, “I will always honour the invitation of every political party. Even if it is APC, PDP or LP that calls me, I will go. I am a twin. Our grandmother used to say the mother of twins cannot afford to sleep on one side. By virtue of being a priest, people say I am a politician. I am not a politician but I am political.
“I am concerned about the quality of democracy and politics in Nigeria. I therefore made the point that there is a growing fear that as soon as our leaders are elected, marabouts, spiritualists, ritualists and all kinds of people hide behind the throne of power.
“So rather than being guided by science, major decisions are taken through the necromancy of illiterate people, who are seated somewhere chewing kolanuts and doing nothing with their lives, except projecting on what is going to happen. This is why I think this Progressives Institute is important because we need to move toward science.”
Responding, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Nasarawa State, Aliyu Bello, said those criticising Tinubu for the current hardship can’t perform better than him.
He said, “Yes, there is hunger in the land. President Tinubu is working on it. This is because for every problem, there must be a solution. By the grace of God, the solution is coming through the APC, not through any other person. This is because those who are talking are also not different from Bola Tinubu.”
In his address, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, justified President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira.
The Imo State governor also explained that the attendant problems that came with the reforms are temporary challenges that would soon give way to stability.
He said, “These reforms are necessary. In addition, we have invested a N200bn intervention fund to address urgent issues and other emergency policies that will improve food securities such as the duty waiver on food items as well as distribution of fertilisers across the country.
“These initiatives represent the practical application of Progressive principles. We believe in an active government working for the betterment of all citizens and dedication for creating opportunities for Nigerians to reach their full potential.”
In attendance at the event were Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, among others.
