Amid rising petrol prices and the resulting economic strain, leaders from the Nigerian Baptist Conference, Senator Shehu Sani, and former Kaduna State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the interest of the masses.
Speaking at the 64th Baptist Ministers Conference in Kaduna on Wednesday, the leaders highlighted the severe impact of fuel price hikes on Nigerians’ daily lives.
Senator Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna Central in the 8th Assembly, acknowledged the widespread suffering caused by economic reforms. He stressed that while transformation comes with sacrifices, it should not be borne solely by the poor, urging leaders in power to set an example by making personal sacrifices.
“We are a nation of 224 million people, and we cannot ignore the serious economic challenges facing the masses. The President, Ministers, Governors, Senators, and those in authority must lead by making sacrifices to move the nation forward,” Sani emphasized.
Rev. Israel Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Conference, echoed similar sentiments, urging the government to manage the pace of economic reforms to ease the burden on citizens. He called for relief in fuel prices, stating that lower fuel costs would positively affect food prices, rent, and school fees.
Rev. Joseph Hayab, former CAN Chairman, also pointed out that while progress had been made in the fight against terrorism, the ongoing threat of kidnapping and violence continues to haunt the country. He urged the government to take decisive action to eliminate all terrorists and restore peace and security for the people.