CD asks rights activists to quit palliative panel
From Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna)
LEADERS of the North-West chapter of the Campaign for Democracy (CD) have urged all human rights and civil society representatives on the Federal Government's Palliative Committee to withdraw their membership and join tomorrow's strike.
In a statement by the Zonal Vice-President of CD, Mallam Abdullahi Ahmed, at the weekend, the group pointed out that since the Federal Government was unwilling to revert to the old pump prices of fuel, there was no reason for the civil society activists to continue with the Palliative Committee headed by the Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu.
In the statement titled: "CD Supports NLC's Indefinite Strike", Ahmed argued: "From prevailing events, it is clear that this government lacks sensor to measure the sensitivity of the masses in order to know and appreciate the hardship they have brought to us as a result of the draconian policies the government is forcing down our throats.
"It is high time we wake up from our slumber and fight with strong volition this monstrous regime to a standstill in order to save the soul of our great country, Nigeria.
"This government is blind, dumb and deaf towards the plight of the masses with the high sense of irresponsibility."
Ahmed said government should realise that the price of fuel touched on all aspects of the ordinary Nigerian life, pointing out that "the option left for them is to defend themselves against snuffing life out of the masses through incessant increase in the prices of petroleum products."
The statement added: "We have the resources to repair the existing refineries to perform to their full capacity and even build new ones where necessary in order to check this shortage.
"But the government's refusal and the continuous importation of fuel is to allow their cronies and family members have the privilege to loot and make more money to the detriment of Nigerians.
"The Palliative Committee constituted by the government to seek means of cushioning the effect of hike is a ruse, artificial and unnecessary, which can hardly achieve any meaningful result.
"It is the same Obasanjo government that will create problems and proffer solutions in order to create avenues for looting and wasting of our resources. We are not asking for the reduction but for total reversal to the old price regime."
The CD leader however noted that securing and protecting the nation's democracy is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians, having tasted many despotic military rules.
The group added: "The blatant violation of democratic procedure and wishes of Nigerians by this government will no longer be tolerated.
"Since the inception of this government with the introduction of its reform programmes, this country has known no peace."
Ahmed urged Nigerians to support the NLC in its bid to force the government to drop unpopular policies.
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