Afro beat king, Fela Kuti, addressed the suffering nature of Nigerians and their decision to adapt to problems in his 1978 song, ”Shuffering and Shmiling”.
This behaviour has become a trademark for the people. However, this trend has made the nationās leaders overlook the plight of the people. Empathy is a luxury for some of these leaders, as means are devised to continually impoverish the people.
Another Fuel Price Hike
In the early hours of Friday morning, March 12, the people woke up to the news of yet another fuel price increase. Previously, fuel sold at N165 per litre. In some fuel stations, it sold a little higher. However on this day, people bought fuel at N212 naira per litre as another case of ‘Suffering and Smiling’ was recorded for Nigerians.
As expected, numerous car owners trooped to filling stations to buy fuel out of panic as the rumours of price hike circulated and the government stayed mute.
With so many vehicles on the road, traffic became frustrating. Consequentially, transport fares skyrocketed. Sadly, filling stations leveraged on this problem to hoard fuel. The black market also thrived as they sold fuel for N350 and above per litre.
The Difference is Clear when Comparing Buhari’s Administration Price Hikes with Jonathan’s
It should be recalled that the pump price of petrol was N65 per litre during the Goodluck Jonathan administration. When Jonathan’s government took a decision to embark on subsidy removal, the citizens took to Ojota to protest leading to price reversal from N120 to N85 naira. Nevertheless, there were periodic fuel price increment but the difference now is crystal clear.
This current administration seems to be unbothered with what the people think. Often, the citizens are told that the government is doing a lot for them. The people are expected to be appreciative of government’s “good deeds”. Good that is simply not enough to bring the citizens out of poverty. Besides, the people can tell when a situation favours them and when it doesn’t. An increase in fuel price is definitely a no-no for the people.
Government In Denial
The Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylvia, has stated that the government did not approve any fuel increase. However, he said that the government will meet with Labour Union leaders to determine what price is best so that the suffering of the people will not be heightened.
Read Also: Electricity And The Stress It Imposes On Nigerians
This statement by the government has left many citizens bewildered. Can they honestly claim that they had no idea of the price increase? Was any immediate effort made to redeem the situation? Were the leaders unaware of the repercussion of a fuel price increase? And why is the government not acting accordingly to ensure that those fuel stations are properly disciplined, including getting locked?
Some leaders may see the voice of the people as inconsequential but that has not stopped the people from speaking up. From speaking up, it will proceed to action. It won’t be long before the voices become important.
Discover more from News Round The Clock
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
