Former Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, on Friday urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to lower the price of petrol, emphasizing that Nigerians are enduring immense hardship.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Ndume expressed concern over the steep rise in the cost of fuel, food, and essential goods and services, which he said has become unaffordable for the average Nigerian, especially the poor majority.
He warned that certain individuals with ill intentions are attempting to turn public sentiment against the Tinubu administration by advocating for harsh reforms and harmful policies, rather than addressing inflation and stabilizing the exchange rate, which are driving many Nigerians into deeper hardship.
Ndume noted that these individuals are working to make the President appear ineffective, inflicting suffering through so-called reforms until the situation spirals out of control, with President Tinubu bearing the blame.
“I’m calling on the President to resist these bad influences trying to turn the people against his government,” Ndume stated. “The hardship being imposed on Nigerians is unbearable. I’m currently in Borno, and I can tell you firsthand, people are really suffering—they are hungry, frustrated, and angry.”
He stressed his belief in Tinubu’s good intentions for the country but argued that some of his advisers are giving him harmful advice.
“In Borno State, many families can no longer afford to feed themselves. The impact of these continuous price hikes is devastating. Farmers can’t even transport their goods because of skyrocketing fuel costs, and when they do, they pass the transportation costs onto consumers, making food even more expensive. People can barely travel anymore—just the cost of a trip from Abuja to Maiduguri is beyond what most can afford.”
Ndume implored the President to act swiftly to prevent further suffering, cautioning against testing the patience of Nigerians.
“As soon as President Tinubu returns to Nigeria, I urge him to address these issues immediately. The purchasing power of Nigerians is critically low, and they are being pushed to the brink by those who wish to harm the state,” Ndume concluded.