A call has gone to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governors of the 36 States in the Federation not delay further the introduction of palliatives that would cushion the effects of economic hardship of the people as a result of removal of fuel subsidy and cancellation of multiple foreign exchange transactions in Nigeria.
The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria made this call in its Sallah Message to Nigerian Leaders and citizens of the Country.
In the Message jointly signed by the National Coordinator of the Group Alh. Abdullahi Ibrahim and the National Secretary Dr. Nasir Balogun and released today, the Group maintained that – details of the palliatives should be announced and effected soonest adding that it should cover all segments of the Society in-order to reduce the economic hardship being faced by the citizens across all spectrum of the Nigerian populace.
On Security, the Group commended the President on the replacement of the Service Chiefs and advised that future changes in other areas governance should be done with proper religious balancing to avoid any negative reaction and misconception.
It called on the new Acting Inspector-General of Police Mr. Kayode Egbetokun to quickly revive the process of upscaling the numerical strength of the Police adding that for Nigeria of over 200 million people to have less than half a million police personnels is grossly inadequate.
The Group also called on I.G. to instil discipline and patriotism in the rank and file of the Police so that bribery, corruption and lack of diligent prosecution of cases could be reduced to barest minimum.
It also called for an end to misuse of police personnel by the political and business class to the detriment of the security of the masses; warning that the renewed crime-waves in Borno, Plateau, Imo and some parts of Kwara State as worrisome and should be stopped forthwith.
The Group commended the IGP on his effort in raising new tactical squad to deal with re-emerging crimes and urge him to sustain the zeal.
The Media Group used the opportunity of this Sallah period to remind the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his vow to deal with corruption and all economic crimes and stated that the battle should start now as corruption has been responsible for myriads of economic problems facing Nigeria. It commended him on cancellation of fuel subsidy, multiple forex exchange, suspension and investigation of Chief Executives of CBN and EFCC, urging him to move further by smashing the cartel allegedly collecting money for recruitment and placement in the public service and on political appointments.
The Group called on the 36 State Governors in the Country to synergise with the President in fighting corruption, adding that it must not continue ‘to be business as usual’ in the face of serious hardship Nigerians are facing; warning that non-implementation of palliatives to be introduced to cushion the effects of the hardship by the State Governors could backfire.
The Governors must not only pay new salaries when evolved, they should also review upwards pension payments to their senior citizens who are in serious economic hardship now; adding that this Festival of Sacrifice would be of no meaning to them if they fail to do all that the Group has suggested.
Finally, the Group concluded by calling on all Nigerians to always pray for the new Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the State Governors for their success, pointing out that the unpatriotic elements in the Society would always be working against them.
E-Signed
Abdullahi Ibrahim, FCIPM, FCPA
National Coordinator.
E-Signed
Dr. Nasir Balogun
National Secretary.
Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG)
9th Dhul-Hijja, 1444 AH
27th June, 2023 CE
