In a bold appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s opposition, has urged the government to reduce petrol prices to N300 per litre for the months of December and January.
Speaking from his office in Ikoyi, Lagos, George, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasized the need for relief during the festive period. He described the price reduction as a gesture of gratitude to Nigerians, particularly those who supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential elections.
“This is a time for celebrations and appreciation,” George said, pointing out that December and January are special months for all Nigerians, regardless of their faith. He explained that these months are significant for Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and atheists alike, as they are filled with holidays, prayers, and family gatherings.
With the ongoing economic challenges, George expressed deep concern for the daily struggles Nigerians face due to rising fuel prices. “The anger and the hunger are almost equal on the streets of Nigeria. Not just in the West but everywhere in the country,” he added. “This is the moment for the president to show he cares.”
A Call for Action
George’s suggestion comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the economic situation. He urged the president to implement the price cut by issuing an executive order. “Let him sit down and give an order that from December 15 to the end of January, the cost of petrol will be N300 per litre. It’s not too much to ask,” he said.
He further criticized those in the petroleum sector who prioritize profits over the well-being of Nigerians, calling them “damaging directors.” According to George, these individuals should absorb any losses caused by the price reduction. “They went to Paris parading themselves like they are from another planet. Let them bear the cost. It’s for the good of the people.”
The PDP chieftain also floated the idea of contributions to offset the cost. “If they want others to contribute, let’s know how much it will cost. Ask people to donate. The First Lady donated N1 billion to a university. What’s wrong with donating for this cause?” George asked, stressing that the initiative would bring happiness to Nigerians across the country.
Impact on Nigerians
George strongly believes that reducing the price of petrol will bring immediate relief. “This will make a lot of people happy, especially during the Christmas season. Children are coming home for the holidays. People will cook, celebrate, dance, and thank God. This is the kind of gesture that will put smiles on people’s faces,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing that such a price reduction would create a sense of unity across Nigeria, giving the country a much-needed boost during the festive period. “We need this in December and January to put a smile on the faces of Nigerians,” George said.
Addressing Nigeria’s Political Challenges
In addition to his call for a fuel price reduction, George also spoke about the need for political reform in Nigeria. He reiterated his long-standing belief that the country’s constitution is flawed and needs urgent revision. He urged President Tinubu to revisit the 2014 National Conference report, which proposed solutions to the nation’s challenges.
“The problems we face today are because of a bad constitution,” George stated. “The 2014 Confab laid out solutions, but those recommendations have been ignored. It’s time to address this.”
He also highlighted the importance of electoral reforms. “INEC must be truly independent,” he said, adding that the electronic voting system must be reliable and free from failure. “People must be trained to handle the system, and there should be a whistleblower to monitor INEC’s activities.”
George praised the recent elections in Ghana, which were conducted fairly and transparently. He commended the loser of the election for accepting defeat with grace, urging Nigerians to learn from the Ghanaian example.
A Bright Future for the PDP
Despite the current political turbulence, George expressed optimism for the future of his party, the PDP. He described the party’s foundation as strong, even though he acknowledged the internal challenges it faces. “There is no organization without challenges, but the future of the PDP is bright,” George concluded.
With his call for action on petrol pricing and political reforms, Bode George’s statements are sure to spark further discussions about the state of Nigeria’s economy and governance. His appeal to President Tinubu could be a crucial turning point in addressing the needs and expectations of millions of Nigerians, particularly during this festive season.
