Fuel hike: Don’t allow saboteurs frustrate propose palliatives – Cleric tells FG

By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
Founder and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen In Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke has advised the  Federal Government not to allow saboteurs to frustrate its plans to  introduce palliatives to cushion the effects of the recent hike in the pump price of petrol following the removal of subsidy.
Professor Olagoke made the call while speaking on “Security Challenges and Sustainable Peace: The Way Forward” at Odu’a News Lecture and Award Ceremony held at the Oyo NUJ Press Centre, Ibadan.
According to him, the proposed palliative to cushion the effect of oil subsidy removal will be a welcome step provided government will not allow saboteurs to prevent it from becoming a reality.
The Cleric who cautioned against the neglect of the interest of the masses, asked the federal and state governments in the country to address the problem of the masses.
“When government and their agents fail to discharge their duties and refuse to follow due process, people’s agitation for their rights to have access to functional infrastructures and provision of basic amenities may generate polity heat leading to insurgence, pipeline vandalism, kidnapping and other vices,” he said.
Prof Olagoke declared that terrorism in Nigeria has led to various loss of lives and properties and sacrileges of internal displacement of people with attendant rehabilitation problems.
According to him, only promotion of institutional discipline and zero tolerance to corruption, justice and equity can avail the nation to have food security, shelter security and clothing security upon which sustainable peace stands.
“The present state of terrorism, Fulani herdsmen/farmer skirmishes, ethnic militancy must be addressed through appropriate conflict resolution formula by the state and federal governments to generate a conducive atmosphere for growth and development upon which the present efforts effect positive change is duly rested. However, we are all stakeholders on the issue of security challenges and sustainable peace in Nigeria to move the nation forward”.
Speaking at the programme, an Associate Professor of Comparative Politics, Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, Gbade Ojo said Nigeria is presently eminently qualified to be described as weak considering the fact that “laws are made but either not implemented or selectively executed”.