Roman Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to urgently reduce the escalating fuel prices in Nigeria, citing the severe hardship it is causing for ordinary citizens.
Kukah made the appeal on Friday in Abuja during the official unveiling of The Progressive Institute (TPI), the think-tank arm of the APC.
In his candid remarks, Bishop Kukah underscored the dire economic situation faced by millions of Nigerians, many of whom are struggling to afford basic necessities due to the surge in fuel prices.
“People are hungry,” Kukah declared. “A girl was asked recently, ‘Which party do you support—APC, LP, or PDP?’ She responded, ‘I am hungry.’ This is the reality Nigerians are facing today. You have to find a way to reduce the price of fuel to ease the suffering.”
He further stressed the importance of building a strong democratic foundation in the country, warning that without a robust democratic system, Nigeria’s future remains uncertain. “If democracy is not anchored on a sound foundation, we are building on sand. We must address the underlying issues affecting democracy in Nigeria.”
The event, which gathered top APC leaders, saw the attendance of key political figures including APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, and Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, among others.
Kukah’s remarks come at a time when many Nigerians are expressing frustration over the rising cost of living, with fuel price hikes contributing significantly to inflation and economic hardship across the country. His call for immediate action has added to the growing pressure on the government to address the nation’s economic challenges.
