The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stands resolute in its commitment to advocate for the welfare of our people amidst the prevailing economic turmoil. In light of the recent and distressing hike in fuel prices—which have surged to an alarming rate of up to ₦1400 per litre—and the consequent inflationary pressures that have beset essential commodities, we find it imperative to address the profound hardships that our civil servants and workers in the Southeast are enduring.
It is with a deep sense of urgency that we call upon the esteemed governors of the Southeast to adopt a robust Work-From-Home policy for a period of three months, commencing on Monday, September 9th, 2024. This initiative is not merely a recommendation; it is a necessary measure to ameliorate the unbearable challenges facing our citizens who are grappling with exorbitant transportation fares, erratic salary payments, and the burdens of rising living costs.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has observed with alarming concern that the financial strain on our civil servants and workers has reached unprecedented levels. Reports indicate that many have yet to receive their salaries for the months of July and August 2024. Such delays are exacerbated by the fact that several state governors have reduced their own salaries, further destabilizing the economic circumstances of their constituencies. As schools reopen for the new academic session, countless families are struggling to meet educational expenses, adding another layer of distress to an already precarious situation.
The governors of the Southeast must take decisive action to alleviate this suffering. We urge them to take a leaf from the playbook of Lagos State’s Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and implement the proposed Work-From-Home policy as an emergency response to our current crisis. By doing so, we can safeguard our civil servants and workers from the punitive financial burdens imposed by transportation costs, thus contributing to the overall stability and peace within our communities.
The worsening economic conditions, coupled with escalating security challenges throughout the nation—especially in both the North and Southeast—underscore a time of heightened sensitivity and precaution. The collective discontent of the populace could easily give rise to civil unrest if not appropriately managed. It is therefore incumbent upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to heed the voices of the citizens. We implore President Tinubu to take immediate steps to reverse the hike in fuel prices, restoring them to a more manageable level of ₦250 per litre. The presence of the Dangote refinery should facilitate such an adjustment.
As President Tinubu also juggles the formidable role of Minister of Petroleum, it is vital that he disband any cabal within the petroleum sector that impedes progress and exacerbates public distress. The ramifications of inaction could lead to dangerous misinterpretations, whereby detractors may seek to exploit the grievances of our people, inciting them towards revolutionary upheaval.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls upon all Ndigbo to exercise wisdom and restraint. We will not be pawns in the machinations of those who wish to use our people as scapegoats for their own agendas. It is essential that we remain vigilant and united as we navigate this challenging landscape.
In closing, we again exhort the remaining four Southeast governors to follow the commendable example set by Ebonyi State’s Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwaifuru. He has demonstrated courage and commitment by disbursing 1.3 billion naira to 1,300 youths during the recent national protests against hunger. The remaining governors must act swiftly to provide similar assistance to our suffering Igbo youths and civil servants.
Let us come together to rebuild and support one another during this profoundly difficult time. Together, we can chart a course towards a more secure and prosperous future.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo
