The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian government, highlighting the urgent need for economic reforms to address the escalating hardship, poverty, and insecurity facing the nation. Speaking at a press conference, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi delivered a strongly worded statement on behalf of the CNG, urging President Bola Tinubu to reassess his economic team and adopt more humane policies to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

“The suffering of Nigerians is palpable across every stratum,” Charanchi stated. He cited alarming statistics from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, noting that 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, with 20 million either unemployed or underemployed. The CNG described the government’s economic policies as “anti-people” and characterized by a “trial-and-error” approach.

Among the group’s chief concerns are the increase in interest rates, the depreciation of the naira, soaring inflation, and skyrocketing electricity tariffs. They argued that these factors are exacerbating the economic crisis and diminishing job prospects for Nigerians. The CNG also rejected plans to increase fuel prices to fund the new national minimum wage, suggesting instead that the government reduce wasteful expenditure, tackle corruption, and increase taxes on luxury goods.

“The current situation portends an imminent massive revolt of citizens against the government,” the CNG warned. They urged President Tinubu to summon the political will and courage to address the root causes of these problems, cautioning that cosmetic measures will not suffice to contain the growing anger among the populace.

In a plea for compassionate leadership, the CNG expressed hope that President Tinubu would listen to the cries of the people and steer the nation with empathy and wisdom. “We pray that Almighty Allah endows you with the needed political will and divine wisdom to listen to the cries of the people and steer the ship of the nation with compassion and unstinting humane disposition,” the coalition said.

The CNG concluded their statement with a patriotic call to unity and resilience, declaring, “Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”