Ahmadiyya Decries Economic Hardship, Wants Govt To Reduce Cost Of Governance
By Sulaimon Salau
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria has called on the governments at all levels to reduce the cost of governance in order to have more funds to cater for the needs of the citizens.
Amir (National Head), Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Alatoye Folorunsho Azeez, made this call during a press conference to announce the forthcoming Jalsa Salana slated for Wednesday 4th of December 2024.
Jalsa Salana is the annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community initiated by the founder of the community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.
The Ahmadiyyah head in Nigeria decried a situation whereby the economic hardship is taking a toll on average Nigerians but the political class are living in opulence and a vagrant display of wealth.
Azeez said: “Currently, we acknowledge the economic reforms of the present administration and bold decisions of the Nigerian Executives led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The recent cheering news of the complete rehabilitation and full operation of the Port Harcourt Refinery after 34 years is welcomed.
“However, it is regrettable that economic hardship is taking its toll on average Nigerians but the political class are living in opulence and a vagrant display of wealth.
“We have noticed that the President’s call for reduction in the cost of governance by the Ministers and Governors has not been yielded to.
“The citizens are daily harassed by long convoys of official vehicles on the highways. Multiple taxations are still the order of the day.
“The public power supply electricity is inadequate despite increase in tariffs and forced migration to Band A. In reality, the Nation is bleeding,” he stated.
He therefore insisted that the political class must walk-the- talk over pronouncements on reduction of cost of governance. Ministers and Governors should reduce the size of their convoys.
“Corrupt officials must be tried, convicted and punished accordingly as a deterrent to others. State governors who are yet to implement the payment of the minimum wage should expedite actions on payments.
“Various government incentives to cushion the effects of economic hardship especially cost of food should be re-evaluated, made to work and address the sufferings of the poor.
“Elites and privileged in the country should stop their high tastes for imported goods and service, patronise and buy home made goods and services,” he stated
