The Social Democratic Party, SDP wants the Presidency to appreciate the patience of Nigerians by putting smiles on their faces with good policies and programmes to end the current insecurity and hardship in the country.
In an Eid-el-Fitr message, the party’s National Chairman, Shehu Gabam urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Power to rescind what he described as “reckless decision” on the Electricity Tariff Hike as well as the planned removal of its subsidy; as this will only exacerbate the economic hardship of Nigerians and further increase the poverty level.
He also called on State Governors and Local Council Authorities to be responsive to the plight of Nigerians.
Gabam said “Failure to adhere to the above, the SDP, as a viable opposition political party will not hesitate to mobilise Nigerians for a peaceful mass protest against the “inhumane” decision by the government.
He calls on President Tinubu not to take the goodwill of Nigerian voters for granted by inflicting unbearable pains on them through “anti-people” policies.
Gabam said the President was ill-advised in taking the “unpopular” decision to raise electricity tariff from N66 to N255 per kilowatts-hour, effective April 1, 2024, at this critical time of mounting economic challenges, and that his Advisers who sold the idea to him neither love him nor desire the stability of his government.
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Gabam commends Nigerians for their patience, doggedness and resilience in the face of the prevailing hardship in the country occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy and the pains of which they still bear the brunt.
While he reminded the citizens of their rights to hold their representatives and leaders at all levels of government accountable, Gabam emphasised the need for the citizens not to give up on Nigeria .
The SDP national leader however advised Muslims to contribute their quota to national development and eschew acts detrimental to peace, unity and progress of Nigeria. He advised Muslims to emulate the virtues and teachings of Prophet Muhammad by being steadfast, honest, sincere and corrupt-free.
The party tasks them to imbibe the spirit of the Holy Month and beyond and spread love to their neighbours and fellow countrymen irrespective of their faith, culture and ethnicity.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)