By Aaior K. Comfort

Ebilade Ekerefe, former spokesperson of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, has urged President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Development Corporation Limited to reverse the recent increase in petrol prices. In an interview in Yenagoa, Ekerefe expressed concern over the growing economic hardship faced by Nigerians under the APC-led Federal Government.

Ekerefe, now the national leader of the New Era Movement, criticized the removal of fuel subsidies, attributing the country’s escalating difficulties to this policy change. He described the price hike as a severe burden on the already struggling population.

“It will be a grave injustice to ignore the severe hardship caused by the mismanagement of the country’s economy,” Ekerefe said. “The removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Forex by the CBN have led to a spiraling cost of living, exacerbating the plight of Nigerians.”

He emphasized that the increased cost of living, compounded by the rise in fuel prices, has led to widespread hunger and poverty. Ekerefe called on President Tinubu to address these issues by reversing the fuel price increase to alleviate the suffering of the masses. He also recommended a re-evaluation of the economic team to include individuals with innovative ideas to improve the nation’s economy during these challenging times.

“The President must act decisively to reduce the suffering of the people. Lowering fuel prices will help reduce food and living costs,” Ekerefe added.