Mr. Anthony Nwabianke
Residents of Boji Boji Metropolis have joined the train of several Nigerians in reacting to the recent increase in the price of fuel amidst the severe hardship occasioned by the ravaging corona virus Pandemic across the country.
Here are some of the respondents who bared their minds on the issue.
Mr. Anthony Nwabianke, A Security Practitioner, said “I was shocked when I heard of the new fuel price increase; I can’t imagine the federal government not being sensitive to the suffering of the citizens of this country. God blessed us with so many mineral resources, which are meant for the well being of the citizens of this country, if for any reason they want to increase the pump price of fuel they should have waited and considered the effects on the masses, they would have considered how it will affect the economy of the down trodden. Today, we are yet to come out from the COVID-19 Pandemic, our economy has been shattered and government has not thought of how to revamp the economy; people are still sick, so many people are still in the isolation centres, their families have been abandoned and nobody is even talking about them, while some persons are unemployed yet they are talking about increase in the price of fuel which invariably will make the prices of other commodities to also go higher. Indeed, it shows that the governments do not have the masses at heart, they are not helping us. My fear in all these things is that the situation should not degenerate to anarchy, a situation where everyone will start doing whatever pleases them due to the non commitment of the federal government to their challenges.
I want to appeal to you the journalists to please do your best in channeling the complaints of the masses to our elected office holders, or do they want to tell us that they are not aware of the hardship which Nigerians are going through? Please let our leaders know that this is not the right time to increase the pump price of fuel. My advice to the government is that they should allow the pump price to remain where it was and concentrate on reviving the economy first, let the economy come back to normal before any other thing”.
Evang. Ehitito Ehiabor, A full time Evangelist of God, said “It is indeed one of the biggest tragedies that should have been avoided, rather the federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, have allowed it to happen to the masses of Nigeria, it is very sad that at a time when the people are struggling to rise above COVID-19 Pandemic; the government of the day, especially the federal government the one that has the key of the wealth of Nigeria, that is needed to establish Nigeria on a good ground, that would have made life sweet, easier and fulfilling for all Nigerians, are the ones allowing such a disaster to happen to the masses. Of course we know from experience that once there is an increase in the pump price of fuel it will send chain reactions to every other groups that are mainly for the poor people, the oppressed and the down trodden. Hence, it is very wrong and bad, that a government should increase fuel price instead of putting themselves together on how to better the lives of the citizens.
I am surprised that we the children of Jesus Christ that were directed to lock up our churches during the lockdown are the same people that they are now running to on their knees begging us to cry to our Jesus Christ to kill the Corona demon, so that life will be normal for all, it’s so sad. Therefore we will indeed take up that challenge which they have given us to cry out to our Jesus Christ to intervene over the affairs of Nigeria and do that which is right that will make life good for all, not like before which was not the best for all; that is, life is good for some few persons, most of whom acquired this wealth in a dubious way, while majority of the masses are in penury, swimming in poverty and almost carrying plates to go to the doorsteps of these rich people to beg for food; which I pray that Jesus Christ will never allow such to happen. Jesus and Jesus Christ alone will settle the matter, God bless Nigeria, Amen”.
Mr. Dunu Innocent, A Businessman, said “The Nigeria government as it is, seems not to be working with statistics or sense of direction; taking the pump price of fuel initially to #123 per litre, what were they actually looking for to achieve? Is it as part of palliative to the people and if it is, what figures do they arrive at in the long run? And what impact were they able to make to the benefit of the people? And what are their losses along the line as at today? If they actually made losses at all? So, in their taking the fuel price to #145 what are they trying to achieve with the difference between #123 and #145? The profit wills it in any way come to the benefit of the masses? Or it is for individual benefit? So, the government as it is seems to be drifting in all grounds both in insecurity, in statistics, in modalities on how things ought to be done; all we are seeing is how they have been selfish and some certain individuals in people who are running the government itself and not to the benefit of the masses. My advice to the government is that whatever they are doing, they should sit down and do their projection and calculations, having the interest of the people at heart and knowing the end of what they want to achieve; and no just coming out with policies that does not have direction and does not have what actually they want to achieve. They should not just be working based on each person’s suggestion which on the long run, the people that are being ruled does not actually know what the government is up to and what the government is not up to. Now we seem to be confused on so many issues; on finance, security and on so many things; we are very far from the government itself as it stands now”.
Mr. Ejime Roland Moseri, A Businessman, said “The increase in the pump price of fuel is not a welcome development, it is a regrettable development that is very unfortunate because the masses are hungry, and the prices of goods have gone up because of the partial closure of some state borders occasioned by the corona virus partial lockdown. Few months ago they reduced the price of fuel from #145 to #123 or there about, then before the blink of eye they increased it again. We are saying that we are hungry and the prices of commodities are soaring high, coupled with the retrenchment of workers by some private establishments because of the effects of corona virus lockdown, yet the government has now increased the pump price of fuel, a development which is most unfortunate. We the masses cannot cope, but the political office holders are there enjoying without knowing the pains which majority of the Nigerian populace are passing through; because even when they go to the toilet government will pay. Haven increased the pump price of fuel definitely it is going to affect other areas of life including the prices of foodstuffs and essential goods. I am of the opinion that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), should protest against the unwarranted price increase because they are the only recognized pressure group that can speak for us; let them go and discuss with government on behalf of the masses, either by protest or by dialogue with the federal government”.
Mr. Emmanuel Uzor, A Businessman, said “The latest fuel price increase in my own view is a bit hasty, in the sense that Nigerians are still battling with the effects of corona virus; many poor homes have not been able to take care of themselves before now. The government should have done their homework very well before the increase. Haven said that, I believe that the federal government being a government of the people is in charge of the economy; I learnt that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other International financial organizations, have predicted that Nigeria might go into recession if care is not taken. So, based on the above, I think the federal government is trying to put certain things in place so as to forestall the predicted recession, through tax increase, fuel price increase, stamp duty collection and other such measures. However, it is unfortunate that the poor masses are the ones going to bear the brunts of the negative effects of the fuel price hike. All the same, my advice to the government is that they should come up with suitable ideas on how to cushion the harsh effects of the latest price increase; although it was caused by COVID-19; although it is a panic measure, but it is the same government that reduced the fuel price few months ago; I urge them to be considerate and do the needful in order to better the living conditions of the suffering masses”.
Mr. Benjamin Igboanugo, A Carton Producer, said “Government did not check properly before they increased the pump price of fuel; I know that it is an economic decision, but while taking such economic decisions they should also know that it is those who are in the economy that sees the effects of the economy. It is those people that use this wealth that makes the economy of the state to be great. When someone is not fit financially, he will not be able to buy fuel at that price. International price for oil was lower few months ago when the Petroleum Price Regulatory Agency lower the prices of petroleum products and it coincided during the wake of the corona virus and the masses were a little bit comfortable; but now the effects of the corona virus is still hard on the people; hence government ought not to have taken the decision now knowing that our economy is very bad; people have stayed at home for a very long period and have incurred unnecessary expenses during the one month lockdown, and many people were sick then; indeed, this is a very wrong time to take such decision, they should have made it towards the end of the year to at least study how the Pandemic is going.
My advice to the government is that, it should not only be about money in the purse of government to be able to put infrastructures but it should also be about individuals economy. Government should study how the masses are coping financially before taking financial decisions; they should carry out through investigation and consultations before taking far reaching resolutions considering the hardship in the land; this is not the ideal time to increase the pump price of fuel, knowing what is happening within our economy”.
Reactions Trail Fuel Price Increase Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Residents of Boji Boji Metropolis have joined the train of several Nigerians in reacting to the recent increase in the price of fuel amidst the severe hardship occasioned by the ravaging corona virus Pandemic across the country.
Here are some of the respondents who bared their minds on the issue.
Mr. Anthony Nwabianke, A Security Practitioner, said “I was shocked when I heard of the new fuel price increase; I can’t imagine the federal government not being sensitive to the suffering of the citizens of this country. God blessed us with so many mineral resources, which are meant for the well being of the citizens of this country, if for any reason they want to increase the pump price of fuel they should have waited and considered the effects on the masses, they would have considered how it will affect the economy of the down trodden. Today, we are yet to come out from the COVID-19 Pandemic, our economy has been shattered and government has not thought of how to revamp the economy; people are still sick, so many people are still in the isolation centres, their families have been abandoned and nobody is even talking about them, while some persons are unemployed yet they are talking about increase in the price of fuel which invariably will make the prices of other commodities to also go higher. Indeed, it shows that the governments do not have the masses at heart, they are not helping us. My fear in all these things is that the situation should not degenerate to anarchy, a situation where everyone will start doing whatever pleases them due to the non commitment of the federal government to their challenges.
I want to appeal to you the journalists to please do your best in channeling the complaints of the masses to our elected office holders, or do they want to tell us that they are not aware of the hardship which Nigerians are going through? Please let our leaders know that this is not the right time to increase the pump price of fuel. My advice to the government is that they should allow the pump price to remain where it was and concentrate on reviving the economy first, let the economy come back to normal before any other thing”.
Evang. Ehitito Ehiabor, A full time Evangelist of God, said “It is indeed one of the biggest tragedies that should have been avoided, rather the federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, have allowed it to happen to the masses of Nigeria, it is very sad that at a time when the people are struggling to rise above COVID-19 Pandemic; the government of the day, especially the federal government the one that has the key of the wealth of Nigeria, that is needed to establish Nigeria on a good ground, that would have made life sweet, easier and fulfilling for all Nigerians, are the ones allowing such a disaster to happen to the masses. Of course we know from experience that once there is an increase in the pump price of fuel it will send chain reactions to every other groups that are mainly for the poor people, the oppressed and the down trodden. Hence, it is very wrong and bad, that a government should increase fuel price instead of putting themselves together on how to better the lives of the citizens.
I am surprised that we the children of Jesus Christ that were directed to lock up our churches during the lockdown are the same people that they are now running to on their knees begging us to cry to our Jesus Christ to kill the Corona demon, so that life will be normal for all, it’s so sad. Therefore we will indeed take up that challenge which they have given us to cry out to our Jesus Christ to intervene over the affairs of Nigeria and do that which is right that will make life good for all, not like before which was not the best for all; that is, life is good for some few persons, most of whom acquired this wealth in a dubious way, while majority of the masses are in penury, swimming in poverty and almost carrying plates to go to the doorsteps of these rich people to beg for food; which I pray that Jesus Christ will never allow such to happen. Jesus and Jesus Christ alone will settle the matter, God bless Nigeria, Amen”.
Mr. Dunu Innocent, A Businessman, said “The Nigeria government as it is, seems not to be working with statistics or sense of direction; taking the pump price of fuel initially to #123 per litre, what were they actually looking for to achieve? Is it as part of palliative to the people and if it is, what figures do they arrive at in the long run? And what impact were they able to make to the benefit of the people? And what are their losses along the line as at today? If they actually made losses at all? So, in their taking the fuel price to #145 what are they trying to achieve with the difference between #123 and #145? The profit wills it in any way come to the benefit of the masses? Or it is for individual benefit? So, the government as it is seems to be drifting in all grounds both in insecurity, in statistics, in modalities on how things ought to be done; all we are seeing is how they have been selfish and some certain individuals in people who are running the government itself and not to the benefit of the masses. My advice to the government is that whatever they are doing, they should sit down and do their projection and calculations, having the interest of the people at heart and knowing the end of what they want to achieve; and no just coming out with policies that does not have direction and does not have what actually they want to achieve. They should not just be working based on each person’s suggestion which on the long run, the people that are being ruled does not actually know what the government is up to and what the government is not up to. Now we seem to be confused on so many issues; on finance, security and on so many things; we are very far from the government itself as it stands now”.
Mr. Ejime Roland Moseri, A Businessman, said “The increase in the pump price of fuel is not a welcome development, it is a regrettable development that is very unfortunate because the masses are hungry, and the prices of goods have gone up because of the partial closure of some state borders occasioned by the corona virus partial lockdown. Few months ago they reduced the price of fuel from #145 to #123 or there about, then before the blink of eye they increased it again. We are saying that we are hungry and the prices of commodities are soaring high, coupled with the retrenchment of workers by some private establishments because of the effects of corona virus lockdown, yet the government has now increased the pump price of fuel, a development which is most unfortunate. We the masses cannot cope, but the political office holders are there enjoying without knowing the pains which majority of the Nigerian populace are passing through; because even when they go to the toilet government will pay. Haven increased the pump price of fuel definitely it is going to affect other areas of life including the prices of foodstuffs and essential goods. I am of the opinion that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), should protest against the unwarranted price increase because they are the only recognized pressure group that can speak for us; let them go and discuss with government on behalf of the masses, either by protest or by dialogue with the federal government”.
Mr. Emmanuel Uzor, A Businessman, said “The latest fuel price increase in my own view is a bit hasty, in the sense that Nigerians are still battling with the effects of corona virus; many poor homes have not been able to take care of themselves before now. The government should have done their homework very well before the increase. Haven said that, I believe that the federal government being a government of the people is in charge of the economy; I learnt that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other International financial organizations, have predicted that Nigeria might go into recession if care is not taken. So, based on the above, I think the federal government is trying to put certain things in place so as to forestall the predicted recession, through tax increase, fuel price increase, stamp duty collection and other such measures. However, it is unfortunate that the poor masses are the ones going to bear the brunts of the negative effects of the fuel price hike. All the same, my advice to the government is that they should come up with suitable ideas on how to cushion the harsh effects of the latest price increase; although it was caused by COVID-19; although it is a panic measure, but it is the same government that reduced the fuel price few months ago; I urge them to be considerate and do the needful in order to better the living conditions of the suffering masses”.
Mr. Benjamin Igboanugo, A Carton Producer, said “Government did not check properly before they increased the pump price of fuel; I know that it is an economic decision, but while taking such economic decisions they should also know that it is those who are in the economy that sees the effects of the economy. It is those people that use this wealth that makes the economy of the state to be great. When someone is not fit financially, he will not be able to buy fuel at that price. International price for oil was lower few months ago when the Petroleum Price Regulatory Agency lower the prices of petroleum products and it coincided during the wake of the corona virus and the masses were a little bit comfortable; but now the effects of the corona virus is still hard on the people; hence government ought not to have taken the decision now knowing that our economy is very bad; people have stayed at home for a very long period and have incurred unnecessary expenses during the one month lockdown, and many people were sick then; indeed, this is a very wrong time to take such decision, they should have made it towards the end of the year to at least study how the Pandemic is going.
My advice to the government is that, it should not only be about money in the purse of government to be able to put infrastructures but it should also be about individuals economy. Government should study how the masses are coping financially before taking financial decisions; they should carry out through investigation and consultations before taking far reaching resolutions considering the hardship in the land; this is not the ideal time to increase the pump price of fuel, knowing what is happening within our economy”.
