A newly registered civil society group, Accountable Leadership for Better Nigeria Initiative (ALBNI), with members across Nigeria and the Diaspora has called on the Federal Government to perish the thought of any further hike in the prices of petroleum products, especially, the Motor Premium Spirit, popularly called petrol.
The group made this disclosure through a statement issued in Abuja by its Director of Media and Communication, Ogochukwu Paul and signed by its president, Remi Adebayo.
“Our position on the planned fuel increment by the Federal Government is that we find it absurd, inhuman and callous and as such strongly resist and reject any attempt to increase the per liter fuel pump price even by N1,” the statement read.
ALBNI said it was worried that instead of coming out clean on the true cause of grueling scarcity experienced by Nigerians during yuletide, which is yet to abate, government was tinkering with indirect idea that could translate into instability in fuel prices.
“Does the FG realise that majority of Nigerians still grapple hard with buying a liter of fuel at N145 resulting from the impact of the recession from which the nation is just recovering?”Adebayo queried.
The group admonished the Federal Government to embrace measures that will empower Nigerians and alleviating their pains.
ALBNI urged government to pursue its promises to build new refineries and revamp the existing ones for maximum output to meet local demands; saying this would boost local production, force down prices and stimulate economic recovery.
“The refineries we have should be repaired and adequately maintained to function at optimal capacity to meet local demands instead of continued shameful import of the same products derived from our territory.
“If the FG finds it difficult maintaining our refineries, they should be sold out and privatised to Individuals on merit and capabilities. This way, as a private commodity, owned by individuals, the refineries would be effective and efficient as their owners would ensure maintenance.”
Similarly, the group condemned the Benue, Rivers, Kaduna and Borno killings, saying they indicate a bad omen for the country in a year preceding general election when political activities will naturally be on the increase.
While condoling the families of victims of the dastardly killings, the organisation urged Nigerians to embrace peace and be their brothers keepers.
It went further to call on the security agencies to live up to their responsibilities and do all within its powers to bring the culprits to justice and prevent future recurrences.