Former presidential candidates have called on President Bola Tinubu to restore fuel subsidy measures to ease severe economic hardship across the country.
Operating under the Coalition of Former Presidential Candidates (CFPC), the leaders addressed newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday. Consequently, the group warned that petrol price deregulation has triggered hyperinflation and pushed millions into poverty.
Therefore, the leaders urged the Federal Government to reverse the policy immediately. They stressed that the decision to restore fuel subsidy payments would stabilize food prices and lower transport costs nationwide.
Calls for urgent intervention to ease public suffering
Speaking for the coalition, convener Chief Martin Onovo argued that petrol price hikes have severely damaged household incomes.
Furthermore, Onovo emphasized that government spending must prioritize citizen welfare over austerity policies.
“The government must restore fuel subsidy provisions to prevent economic collapse and reduce widespread suffering,” Onovo stated.
In addition, the coalition demanded the immediate rehabilitation of state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. Repairing local facilities will boost domestic refining and eliminate expensive fuel imports.
Demands for fiscal discipline in governance
Beyond petroleum pricing, the group criticized the high cost of governance across federal and state administrations.
Specifically, the leaders demanded drastic cuts in official motorcade expenses, overseas trips, and redundant political appointments.
“Political leaders must show empathy by cutting government waste before asking citizens to make sacrifices,” Onovo added.
Meanwhile, the coalition reaffirmed its resolve to pursue peaceful advocacy and hold public officials accountable.
Finally, the leaders urged civil society groups and labor unions to join the campaign for sustainable economic policies. By taking collective action, stakeholders can ensure that federal policies protect vulnerable citizens.
