The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), Tuesday, raised concerns over subsidy scammers, oil thieves, and those responsible for the comatose state of our four refineries, calling on the federal government agencies to bring them to book.
Executive Director of the centre, Dr Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, while briefing newsmen on the state of the nation in Abuja, blamed the inefficiency and corruption plaguing the administration of the refineries as responsible for the crisis in the oil industry in the country presently.
He said many experts found it convenient to avoid talking about the criminal actions of saboteurs, which brought Nigeria to the sorry state, where four refineries have been grounded and the whole nation of over 200 million people forced to depend on importation to meet its fuel needs.
He said instead of starting the process of healing the pains and lacerations of the Buhari locust years, President Tinubu has further rubbed salt on Buhari’s inflicted injuries with the subsidy removal.
On economy and social decays, he lamented that decadence and degradation have persisted in every aspect and sphere of our national life, including the economic, social, and political spheres.
According to him, “Continually, a cloud of gloom and apprehension envelops the land. The incompetence, insensitivity and despotic arrogance of the APC-led government over the past eight years and now have become legendary in the face of grievous national problems, as has its pitiful inability to offer viable solutions to the multiplicity of problems that plague our society at present.
“It is not too early for Nigerians to start asking difficult questions. Just as the President stated during his campaign, political power is not served à la carte in restaurants,” Nigerians must realise that effective, participatory, and inclusive governance, along with all the associated benefits, will not be served à la carte.
“Such persons mingling with the President are very concerning because it suggests that the Presidency lacks the commitment to speak out strongly against and combat corruption.
“In the end, if the government takes a soft stance on corruption, little progress will be made in addressing Nigeria’s socioeconomic issues and other social concerns. As a result, CHRICED urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to disclose their assets publicly as soon as possible for the purpose of openness, probity, and accountability.”
