By Tunde Rufai
Coalition of the Southern Nigeria Group (CSG) on Sunday appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider its position on the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and electricity tariff to lessen the burden of Nigerian masses.
The coalition, being the umbrella body of the entire youths in 17 Southern States and civil society groups, in a statement in Lagos, urged President Mohammadu Buhari to consider the plights and yearnings of poor masses.
The statement was jointly issued by Aare Oladotun Hassan, the Chairman, CSG/Global President, Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide and Mr Mazi Isiguzoro, the Publicity Secretary, CSG/President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide.
Others are: Deacon Timothy Igbifa, the Co-Chairman, South-South Geopolitical Zone of CSG/President-General, Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Mr Femi Lawson, Deputy Publicity Secretary, CSG, Mr Emeka Nwadioke, Chief Press Secretary of CSG and Mr Agbateyiniro Weyinmi, Secretary General, CSG/ President, Itsekiri National Youths Council.
The rest are: Dr Gideon Osi, the President, Save the Peace Initiative International, Dr Annibest James, Director of Administration, CSG/President-General, South South Socio-cultural Organisation and Mr Edeh Elijah, Director of Students Affairs, CSG/National President, Association of Southern Nigeria Students.
The group said that the CSG was on the same page with its northern counterpart, Coalition of Northern Nigeria Group (CNG) on all her resolutions against the hike in pump price of PMS popularly called petrol and electricity tariff.
The forum said that it would work in alignment with the CNG and other likeminds towards forging a common bond, and massively mobilise all Nigerians for a one day warning protest on an agreed date soonest.
According to it, the joint mass action will be effectively carried out in all the 36 states of the federation and FCT without the involvement of labour unions.
“We reiterate our stand against the increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) and the astronomically unbelievable over 200 per cent increase in the kilowatts of electricity tariff.
“We emphatically condemn in its entirety the premeditated resolution to forego the petroleum increment with the most ridiculous 14 days waiver suspension of electricity tariffs implementation and onward payments.
“We want the Federal Government to consider the plight and yearning of Nigerians who are just trying to pick up the pieces of their lives after a long dreadful perilous total lockdown predicated by the global COVID- 19 pandemic,” the group said.
The forum frowned at the resolution reached between the FG and organised labour on Sept. 29 which halted the planned strike by the organised labour, saying the resolution only suspended hike in electricity tariff for only two weeks while that of petrol remains.
The CSG said that it considered increment in petrol and electricity tariff as step that would further impoverish the suffering masse, hence should be shelved.
The group said that Nigerian masses could hardly afford three square meals per day, saying the step had increased their travails.
The CSG demanded immediate reversal of the electricity tariff hike and downward review of the price of petrol to N65 per to reduce the hardship.
On the National Water Resource Bill, the group, which called for onward national dialogue, commended the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, for calling for re-presentation of the bill for full discussion and consideration.
The group congratulated Nigeria on her 60th Independence Anniversary on Oct. 1 and called on the Federal Government to address the issues of insecurity, economy, federal character and National unity.
