“Niger Delta Group Expresses Deep Concern Over Subsidy Removal

The National President of the South-South Youths Initiative Imeabe Saviour, has voiced his deep concern over the hardships inflicted by the recent fuel subsidy removal nationwide. In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja and shared with journalists, he criticized the sudden removal of the subsidy without a well-thought-out plan in place.

“We understand that a select group of selfish individuals has exploited the fuel subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for personal gain, leading to the need for partial withdrawal of state funding for its importation. However, we expected a carefully crafted action plan with clear reinvestment strategies to be communicated effectively to the people before implementing such measures,” the statement read.

Imeabe further expressed disappointment at the successive fuel price hikes, which reached 617 Naira per liter, asserting that such decisions only exacerbate the plight of ordinary citizens. He questioned the leadership’s commitment to humane and considerate policies and criticized the failure to bring peace and development to the region.

Blaming Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), for a lack of advisory support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Imeabe called for Kyari’s immediate resignation. He argued that Kyari’s inability to offer sound advice had led to significant hardship for Nigerians.

“We demand Kyari’s resignation as an acknowledgment of the suffering he has caused millions of Nigerians. In responsible governance, public officials who fail to fulfill their duties and adversely impact the people should willingly step down in remorse,” Imeabe stated.

The South-South Youths Initiative threatened to shut down NNPCL offices in the South-South states if Kyari did not heed their call for resignation within seven days. They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take action if Kyari refuses to step down, emphasizing the importance of securing the nation’s financial stability.

The group’s President reiterated that their intention was not a mere threat but a promise made on behalf of the suffering masses. They seek a change in leadership that will prioritize the welfare of the people and ensure responsible governance in NNPCL.