Introduce palliatives to mitigate fuel subsidy removal’s effects– Religious Leaders tell Govt

Precious Oham



Religious Leaders under the aegis of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, Ekiti State Chapter has called on government at all levels to introduce palliatives to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

This was contained in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti at the end of its Second Quarter Meeting, signed by the Co-Chairmen, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye and Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti and Chief Imam of Ekiti State respectively.

They urged the federal government to come up with practical ways of alleviating the suffering of Nigerians while calling on Ekiti State government to reduce the high cost of living and transportation in the state.

According to them, the state government should accelerate the prosecution of the people arrested for committing organised crimes which will serve as a deterrent to others.

“The Council noted that the removal of oil subsidy was a right step in the right direction, but with adverse effects on the quality of the life of ordinary citizens.

“Efforts should be made by Government at all levels to start putting in place positive and practical ways of alleviating the suffering of the people.

“It was decided to make a request to the State Government to put in place deliberate measures to assuage the pains of the oil subsidy removal to reduce the high cost of living and transportation in the State.

“The Council noted the indefatigable efforts of the State Government to ensure security, peace and stability throughout the State. The sacrifices and commitment of the law-enforcement agencies to prevent and combat crimes were also noted.

“However, recent happenings in the State show that there is the need to increase efforts to stamp out organized crimes, especially kidnapping, in the State.

“The State Government to accelerate the prosecution of the people arrested for committing organized crimes, some of whom have been paraded by the police without having been taken to court. Timely prosecution and punishment of culprits will motivate citizens to show more interest in fighting crimes. Not only that, this will also serve as a deterrent to those being tempted to go into crimes.

“The Council appreciated the fact that Ekiti State Government had been carrying out projects like the ongoing rehabilitation of roads and drainages, provision and stabilizing the supply of electricity across the State, employment of teachers into primary and secondary schools, and some others.”