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Fuel Price Hike: Nigerians In Diaspora Blames Tinubu’s Economic Managers
The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association of Nigeria (BAVCCA) has said it is shocking that Nigeria, a major crude oil-producing nation, finds itself in significant debt, particularly with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reportedly owing over $6 billion to global suppliers.
BAVCCA in a press conference in Abuja … said it is alarmed by the continuous rise in fuel prices and the worsening economic situation across the country, noting that this current crisis is a direct result of the failure of those entrusted with managing Nigeria’s economy.
The group noted that there must be a clear and transparent explanation of how Nigeria’s oil revenues have been managed, adding that the current state of affairs suggests that funds have been misused or misallocated, and those responsible must be held accountable.
“While we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his genuine and consistent efforts to lead Nigeria to greatness, it is evident that his economic handlers are failing to support his vision. The inability to effectively manage the country’s resources and finances is crippling the economy and placing an unbearable burden on Nigerians,” the statement noted.
The group noted those responsible for the reckless mismanagement of Nigeria’s resources and economy should be held accountable.
“We demand that those who have mismanaged NNPCL’s finances and plunged the nation into debt be thoroughly investigated and penalized for their actions.
“In addition, the policy of floating the Naira, which was expected to stabilize the currency and bring economic relief, has instead caused further depreciation of the Naira, leading to inflation and skyrocketing costs for essential goods and services. The growing disparity between the official exchange rate and the black market is a testament to the poor management of the economy by the President’s economic team.
“The President must reconsider the composition of his economic management team. Nigeria needs capable, forward-thinking professionals who can implement sound policies to stabilize the Naira, reduce inflation, and restore public confidence in the economy.”
Several South-South leaders and stakeholders have strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and politically motivated. They also accused the president of siding with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State.
Former Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, denounced the move as “ill-advised” and inconsistent with constitutional provisions. He alleged that the decision was part of a broader scheme to take control of the state.
“The situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional conditions for declaring a state of emergency. This action appears to be a premeditated script, being implemented stage by stage,” Nwoko stated.
Similarly, former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eric Omare, Esq., condemned the president’s intervention, labeling it as biased. He accused Tinubu of emboldening Wike, whose actions, he argued, exacerbated the crisis.
“The president’s body language has encouraged Wike to fuel this crisis. If Fubara is being blamed for not handling the situation well, what has the president done about Wike’s provocations? A neutral leader would have either called Wike to order or removed him from office,” Omare asserted.
Meanwhile, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) expressed grave concern over the development. In a statement, the group’s National Spokesman, Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, said PANDEF was analyzing the situation and would soon make its stance public.
Amaebi Clarkson, a former national spokesman for the Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), suggested that the emergency declaration was politically motivated, with an eye on the 2027 elections.
“The governor will likely challenge the legality of the declaration, but politically, this is a calculated move. The president did not act as a leader of the entire nation; he sided with his minister to punish the governor,” Clarkson remarked.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) also rejected the emergency declaration, calling it an act of “oppression and intimidation” against the Ijaw people. IYC spokesman Amb. Binebai Princewill questioned why other states plagued by insurgency had not faced similar measures.
“We see this as targeted oppression. States facing Boko Haram and herdsmen attacks have not been subjected to such actions, but Rivers State is being singled out,” Princewill stated.
However, APC chieftain and elder statesman Hon. Charles Idahosa urged the warring factions to seize the moment for dialogue. He called on Fubara, Wike, and legislators to reconcile their differences and work with the presidency to restore stability.
“This should be a wake-up call for all parties involved. The president has previously tried to mediate, but they did not listen. Now is the time for them to find common ground,” Idahosa advised.
The crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate, with growing concerns over its impact on governance and security in the region.
Some traditional rulers from the Niger Delta have called on President Bola Tinubu to either dismiss the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, or rein him in to prevent further unrest in Rivers State.
HRM King Dodo II of Bilabiri Kingdom, Bayelsa State, and HRH King-Jerry Prebor of the Meinbutus Federal Communities, Warri, Delta State, made the appeal amid tensions in the oil-rich state and the recent bombing of the Trans-Niger pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
King Prebor, speaking with Vanguard over the phone, urged the president to act swiftly, warning that the situation could escalate. “Given the current events in Rivers State and the likely outcome, I implore President Tinubu, Wike’s employer, to fire him now or call him to order before things get out of hand,” he said.
Similarly, King Dodo II emphasized the need for urgent intervention, cautioning that Wike’s actions could strain the president’s relationship with the people of Rivers State. “On the present situation in the Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State, the president should call his minister to order. The president should take the matter of Rivers State as a serious issue and act fast on it. He should not become the enemy of the Rivers people because of Wike’s selfish desire,” he stated.
Their concerns come as political tensions and security challenges continue to mount in the region.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has condemned the persistent ethnic and religious divisions in the North, urging a shift in mindset for regional progress.
Speaking at a dinner in Kaduna attended by CAN chairmen, secretaries, and Christian leaders from across the region, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, lamented that these divisions had hindered development and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized the need for a new era of love, respect, and partnership to overcome these challenges.
“It is disheartening when people perceive us as divided and intolerant. We must usher in a new phase, one of love, respect, and partnership. Our region is blessed, but divisions have cost us dearly. It’s time for a shift in mindset,” Hayab stated.
He reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to unity and addressing obstacles to progress while maintaining its role in advocating for truth with love and understanding. “We will remain a voice for Northern Christians, defenders of truth, and speakers of truth to power. However, we will do so in a way that fosters peace and unity,” he added.
Leader of the Northern CAN Women’s Wing, Ambassador Elizabeth Azizi, commended Hayab’s leadership, describing him as a capable and visionary leader. Several other Christian leaders also paid tribute to him during the event.
Among those present were the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga (Borno State); the Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Dr. Barr. Grace Kaka (Bauchi State); and the Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Rev. Godwin Adole (Sokoto State). Others included the Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, Rev. Emeka Obianyor; the Director of Youth, Women, and Education, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (Benue State); and the Northern CAN Vice Chairman, Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, who also chairs CAN North Central Zone.
Former ECWA General Secretary Worldwide, Rev. Yunusa Madu; President of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum and Seat of God Ministries, Kaduna, Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye; and many other Christian leaders were also in attendance.
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