Group Slams Tinubu’s Role in ECOWAS’ invasion plan, criticizes subsidy removal
The Concerned Stakeholders Forum (CSF), a mobilization group within the Labour Party (LP), along with its allies, has raised immediate concerns with the Nigerian federal government, urging a withdrawal from the proposed ECOWAS intervention in Niger Republic.
Addressing the press in Abuja, National Coordinator Engr. Gambo Balarabe emphasized the need for a diplomatic and political resolution to the coup d’état situation in Niger, rather than a military response.
CSF questioned the decision of a government grappling with legitimacy issues, particularly the unresolved complaints from the 2023 general election, to allow President Bola Tinubu to lead the nation into potential conflict with its northern neighbors.
The group expressed dismay at the move, stating, “We are alarmed by the paradox of an administration with contested legitimacy championing an intervention in another country, considering its own questionable electoral background and institutional controversies.”
On the matter of fuel subsidy removal, the group strongly criticized the abrupt elimination of the subsidy without corresponding measures to mitigate its impact. CSF highlighted the compounded hardships faced by Nigerians, exacerbated by the sudden removal of petroleum product subsidies, leading to soaring inflation and financial strain for those with legitimate sources of income.
CSF argued that while they acknowledge the need to address the unsustainable subsidy regime, responsible governance should have entailed comprehensive actions such as salary and wage increases prior to subsidy removal. The group demanded that the funds generated from the subsidy removal, despite being overseen by an administration they view as lacking legitimacy, be allocated to alleviate the challenges faced by citizens.
Additionally, CSF called upon the Nigerian judiciary to ensure timely and fair resolution of pending election-related cases, emphasizing the significance of this moment in shaping the country’s history.
As tensions continue to rise over the proposed ECOWAS intervention and the economic repercussions of the subsidy removal, the Concerned Stakeholders Forum’s stance represents a significant voice advocating for diplomatic solutions, responsible governance, and social welfare in Nigeria.