The recent hikes in petroleum products as well as the increase in electricity tariff in the country has been condemned and described as an “inhuman act and additional burden on the people who are already impoverished by the policies of government”
The condemnation was handed down on Thursday, 3 September, 2020 in Lagos by the Coalition of Oodua Self-determination Group s(COSEG) in a press release signed by the Chairman and Publicity Secretary of its Coordinating Council, Comrades Ifedayo Ogunlana and Dele Daramola respectfully.
The group condemned in strong terms condemned the increase in electricity tarrif and fuel price at this period of hardship occasioned by the emergence of the dreaded Covid19,
According to COSEG, “we are alarmed by the price increment of fuel and electricity tarrif at this difficult time. It is abnormal, anti- people and against the welfare of the common men who are finding it difficult to make ends meet. How do we explain this to the common men who are at the recieving ends of this policied and have been calling for palliatives to support their well-being. Is this the paliatives being sought?
The group called on the President of the Federation who they said they supported fully to become president because of his connection to the downtrodden to be weary of advisers who urged him to approve the anti – people policy.
According to the group, “Mr President should as a matter of fact, critically evaluate his advisers’ competence and intention so that he will know whether they are for him or not because we cannot comprehend how on earth somebody will propose the increment of this critical product that has fundamental toll on the populace and commoners.
“Mr President should know that at this time of hardship; critical, careful planning and sober reflection are needed so that he will not be seen to be anti people. Policies at this period should be geared towards supporting the people’s welfare, assisting the commoners and promoting trade and investments in such a way that food will be put on peoples table.
“We must clearly state that our people are in comastose and are not making ends meat, consequently policies such as these will increase the discomfort of the populace brought about by covid19.”
However, the group insisted that they will continue to support the president in his quest to fight corruption, amelorate the effect of Covid-19, provide infrastructures as presently being done throughout Nigeria, ensure the confidence of International Committee in Nigeria but will not support any policy that will affect negatively the welfare of our people because that is one the reasons why the group was established.