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Fuel Crisis: 1000 CSOs Tackle Tinubu’s Economic Team, Demand Immediate Reconstitution
About 1000 Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, under the auspices of Coalition Of Civil Society Organisations, CCSOs, on Saturday Faults President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Economic Team and called for immediate reconstitution.
Expressing deep concern and worry over the state of the economy and escalating fuel prices compounding the hardship of Nigerians despite the recent protest, the groups said Tinubu must act now to avert disintegration.
The groups said the current situation across the country has cast doubt on the competence of the Tinubu economic team and called for urgent review.
The CCSOs in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that the plight of Nigerians is sinking low and their patience is wearing off following the deteriorating economy.
The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, which is becoming increasingly unbearable for millions of citizens.
“It is evident that the recent hike in fuel prices and the unstable exchange rate are the direct results of economic mismanagement by those responsible for overseeing our nation’s financial policies. The ripple effects of these failures are being felt in every household across the country, worsening poverty and crippling economic activity.
“The floating of the Naira, which was initially sold to Nigerians as a means of stabilizing our currency, has done little to prevent the continued devaluation of the Naira. In fact, the exchange rate disparity has widened significantly, with the Naira losing value daily, impacting the cost of living, basic commodities, and inflation.
“While this policy was expected to ease foreign exchange pressure, it has instead deepened economic challenges due to poor implementation and lack of strategic foresight.”
The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as death trap of indebtedness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, which also they claimed had slowed down importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, hence the current shortage of PMS across the country.
“Of equal concern is the precarious position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which finds itself in a debt trap, with global suppliers of petroleum products losing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its obligations.
“Reports have shown that NNPCL has accrued debts totalling over $6 billion, causing petrol supply shortages. International suppliers are now reluctant to continue providing fuel on credit, exacerbating supply chain issues and pushing up the price of petrol at the pump”, they claimed.
The CSOs also asserted that, “We hold the managers of the Nigerian economy responsible for these disturbing developments. Their inability to provide sound policies and long-term solutions has left the nation in this predicament.
“It is clear that there is no cohesive strategy to address the rising debt, the growing imbalance in the foreign exchange market, or the country’s heavy reliance on importation for petrol supply. The recent hike in fuel prices reflects the collapse of responsible economic management and accountability.
“Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these failures. Businesses are shutting down, transportation costs have skyrocketed, and citizens are spending an increasingly larger percentage of their income on basic necessities. This state of affairs is unacceptable.”
The group therefore placed some demands; Immediate intervention from the government: There needs to be a comprehensive and transparent plan to stabilize the Naira, restore confidence in the petroleum supply chain, and negotiate a restructuring of NNPC’s debts to ensure continuous fuel supply.
“Accountability for economic mismanagement: Those responsible for the reckless management of our foreign exchange policies and NNPC’s debts must be held accountable. The government must also disclose its plan to mitigate the rising fuel costs and economic burden on Nigerians.
“A return to sound financial policy: The floating of the Naira has proven ineffective under current conditions. We call for a re-evaluation of monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.
“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations reiterates that without immediate corrective measures, the economic situation will continue to deteriorate, leading to further hardship for the average Nigerian. The government must act decisively and responsibly to reverse this downward spiral”, they added
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it “unconstitutional and reckless.”
In a statement on Wednesday via X, Obi accused Tinubu of undermining democracy and disregarding the rule of law. He described the move as a dangerous attempt to tighten control over the state.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not just reckless—it is a clear attempt to return us to a state of nature and tighten its grip on power at all costs,” Obi stated.
He further argued that the political crisis in Rivers does not justify suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers. Obi accused the federal government of selectively interpreting Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution to serve its own interests.
“A state of emergency does not mean an elected Governor can be removed unilaterally. This decision does not align with democratic norms or good governance. Instead, it appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria,” he said.
Obi warned that the move could set a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. He also linked it to previous electoral irregularities, stating that such actions would push Nigeria toward lawlessness and anarchy.
He urged the National Assembly and other stakeholders to reject the emergency declaration, emphasizing that allowing it to stand would deepen the culture of impunity and weaken democratic institutions.
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.
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