Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Enahoro Iyemefokhai
Published on 2024-02-26 13:29:27
Pastor Azemhe Azena, the gubernatorial candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Edo State for the September 21, 2024 election, recently participated in a protest alongside civil society organizations to address the current economic crisis in Nigeria. As the leader of Omega Fire Ministry in Benin City, Pastor Azemhe expressed deep concern over the escalating cost of living in the country, emphasizing the need for government intervention to alleviate the suffering of the people.
During the protest, Pastor Azemhe highlighted the challenges faced by clergymen who are directly impacted by the economic hardships experienced by their congregants. He shared how the demands placed on religious leaders to provide financial assistance for various needs such as school fees, food, transportation, and medical bills have become overwhelming. Pastor Azemhe underscored the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to address the rising cost of living and prevent further deterioration of the economic situation in the country.
Acknowledging the critical role of clergy and religious leaders in supporting their communities, Pastor Azemhe emphasized the importance of addressing hunger and poverty to maintain social order and prevent crime and violence. He urged governments at all levels to prioritize the affordability of essential goods and services by implementing measures such as price controls to ease the burden on the populace.
In a bold move, Austine Enabulele, the Interim chairman of Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO), issued a 14-day ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, demanding their resignation if they fail to devise effective solutions to revive the nation’s economy. Enabulele condemned the dollarization of the Nigerian economy, emphasizing the urgent need to restore value to the country’s currency and reduce reliance on foreign exchange rates in daily transactions.
The protest organized by civil society groups resulted in the disruption of economic activities in Benin City, as protesters marched through the city center carrying placards with messages calling for an end to hunger and suffering in Nigeria. The demonstrations underscored the growing discontent among Nigerians over the worsening economic conditions and the perceived inadequacy of government interventions to alleviate their plight.
As the outcry for economic reform continues to gain momentum, the voices of Pastor Azemhe, Austine Enabulele, and other activists resonate with the frustrations and struggles of ordinary citizens grappling with the harsh realities of poverty and inflation. The call for accountability, transparency, and effective governance remains at the forefront of the public discourse as Nigerians demand tangible actions to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis and ensure a better future for all.
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