The traditional ruler of Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, has described the petrol price hike by the Federal Government as painful but needful.
He said if the new price was allowed, there would be long term effect that would be of benefit to the people.
He advocated a change of lifestyle by the people so as to adapt to the new pump price regime of N145 per litre of fuel.
The monarch said Nigerians should be encouraged to embrace bicycle as part of a new lifestyle to adjust to the new order.
He added, “I don’t know what the cost of petrol pump price is in all the countries of the world, but in some areas, I have visited, especially in Europe and America, Nigeria enjoys the cheapest petrol pump price regime.
“In such areas, you would see people ride bicycles to go to work because the cost of transportation is high because of high cost of petrol.
“Nigerians should be encouraged to start riding bicycles and bicycle allowances should be reintroduced, particularly for civil servants.”
Nwankwo blamed the Federal Government on the way the fuel hike was announced without adequate consultation with the stakeholders.
The traditional ruler added, “That might be why organised labour and civil rights groups are planning a protest on this matter.
“On sensitive issues as this, there should be adequate sensitisation of the people before reaching a decision on the matter.
“Nobody is happy. Life is extremely difficult. The economy is generally bad. The whole thing is having a devastating impact on the people.
“Most filling stations are now selling petrol between N150 and N155 per litre and it will continue to climb from there. And things will get harder.
“The government ought to have educated the people; tell them the long term effects or justification for the increase.
“The trouble with our society is that our government will always distance itself from the people when taking decisions that will eventually affect the lives of the people.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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