Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has projected a drastic reduction in prices of petroleum products in the next six months.
Governor Nwifuru said this at an interdenominational thanksgiving service held on Sunday at the Government House Chapel, Abakaliki.
The church service was part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary and 28 years of the creation of Ebonyi State.
Nwifuru, who called on Nigerians to keep faith with President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over subsidy removal, expressed optimism that the liberalisation of the industry was for the good of the country.
He maintained that the emergence of Dangote refinery was a prelude to many more that would soon spring up in the country to stem product importation, which he said has contributed significantly to the high cost.
Nwifuru asserted that putting an end to the subsidy regime was a well thought out policy of the President to save the country from the stranglehold of few marketers who had hitherto held the country to ransom economically and otherwise.
He stated that the action was a bold step on the part of Tinubu and a huge sacrifice meant to take the country to its desired destination.
Nwifuru said: “Many don’t know it is actually in the interest of Mr. President to choose who will be importing fuel if subsidy is not removed.
“Mr. President is the person suffering most from the removal of the fuel subsidy.
“If Mr. President had allowed these marketers to continue to do what they were doing, this country would not get to this level of infrastructural development.”
The Governor acknowledged that there is hardship in the country occasioned by the policy, but assured that it was only temporary.
Nwifuru said: “Believe me, in less than six months from now, fuel will be cheaper than what we have now.”
He further reiterated his resolve to continue to adopt palliative measures as well as run an inclusive government towards ensuring that the harsh temporary effects of the subsidy removal is ameliorated.
While praising the founding fathers for their roles, which birthed Ebonyi State 28 years ago, he indicated the government’s intention to honour them on October 1, the grand finale of the celebration.
He called on all past and present leaders to unite in the task of developing the state to enviable heights.
The Governor further solicited the support and prayers of the people of the state, stating that the art of governance was quite challenging.
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Nwifuru said: “Nobody is perfect.
“As leaders, we need your prayers at all times.
“It is better to pray for leaders to translate their visions into reality instead of gossiping them because no one is perfect.”
The officiating Minister, Monsignor Godwin Uloha, urged christians to always be obedient and draw closer to God in order to enjoy the full benefits of their covenant with Him.
Uloha also cautioned people in positions of authority to be mindful of their actions because they would eventually render accounts to God and man.
The church service has in attendance past Governors Martin Elechi and Sam Egwu, present and past National Assembly members, leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, royal fathers and other notable stakeholders.
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