By Praise Chinecherem
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide has expressed concern over the escalating petrol price hike in Nigeria and its attendant hardships on the citizens, calling the federal government to take concerted measures to fix the economic crisis bedevilling the country. The group also dismissed reports making the rounds that Igbo youths were celebrating the recent increase in petrol prices.
Recalled that pump price for Premium Motor Spirit had since last week skyrocketed to N1,250, with Nigerians groaning over its attendant hardship, especially in terms of hike in transport cost.
Reacting to the development, the Acting National Leader, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu in a statement on Wednesday, explained that the Ohaneze youth wing was neither rejoicing over the price hike nor indifferent to its negative impact on the Nigerian economy and livelihoods.
He said the Igbo youths were fully aware of the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidy and the infrastructural deficiencies that had compounded Nigeriaโs current situation, stressing that the youth wing shared the concerns of all Nigerians regarding the hardship caused by the economic measures.
“The present economic difficulties are, in part, the result of decisions made by previous administrations. Crude oil was sold in advance for several years by the previous government, and the proceeds were squandered, leaving the country with significant debt,โ he noted.
Drawing an analogy, Okpalaezeukwu explained that just as crops take time to bear fruit, the effects of past policies took time to manifest, and the positive outcomes of current efforts will also take time to materialize.
He said as Igbo youths, facing unique challenges and deprivations, the youth wing stands in solidarity with all Nigerians, including President Tinubu, in these difficult times, calling for collective action to find lasting solutions to the nationโs problems.
While calling for unity, the youth leader expressed optimism that Nigeria would ultimately overcome its present difficulties, stressing, “together, Nigeria shall prevail.”
