Subsidy Removal: NIREC Seeks Palliatives For Nigerians

The Ekiti State chapter of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has called on governments at all levels in the country to as a matter of urgency roll out palliatives to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy effects on Nigerians.

The council also expressed concern over recent security breaches in the state urging the security agencies to step up efforts at stamping out organized crimes, especially kidnapping, in the state.

These were part of the issue deliberated upon during the second quarter meeting of council held in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

NIREC noted that, though, the removal of oil subsidy was a right step in the right direction, but resultant adverse effects on the quality of the life of ordinary citizens is harsh.

“Efforts should be made by the Government at all levels to start putting in place positive and practical ways of alleviating the suffering of the people.

“The Council appreciated the fact that Ekiti State Government had been carrying out projects like the ongoing rehabilitation of roads and drainages, provision and stabilizing the supply of electricity across the State, employment of teachers into primary and secondary schools, and some others. All these would go a long way to make life better for the ordinary citizens. The Government should not relent in its efforts in this regard.

“But we make a request to the State Government to put in place deliberate measures to assuage the pains of the oil subsidy removal to reduce the high cost of living and transportation in the State”.

The council in a statement by its Co-Chairmen, Most Rev. Felix Femi AjakayeAlhaj Jamiu Bello Kewulere, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of EkitiChief Imam, Ekiti State commended the state government and security agents efforts at ensuring security, peace and stability in the state and commitment to prevent and combat crimes.

At the end of the meeting, the council also resolved that, “Religious bodies to complement the efforts of the state government to fight crimes by sensitizing their members to shun criminal activities and provide information to security agencies to expose criminals and the traditional rulers to take advantage of their chiefs and community leaders, especially in rural areas, to keep an eye on people of shady character among them and expose their suspicious movements.