From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Osun Masterminds (TOM), a non-profit organisation, has called on the government to temporarily close schools until the fuel scarcity subsides, aiming to ease the burden on students and parents.
Speaking at a monthly address in Osogbo, Osun State, on Tuesday, TOM Executive Director Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli urged state governments to follow Ekiti State’s lead and take control of electricity regulation within their jurisdictions.
“In just a few days of this senseless fuel scarcity, Nigerians have faced immense hardship,” TOM stated. “Students have been forced to return home due to a lack of public transportation, and the economy is suffering as workers and informal sector operators struggle to reach their workplaces.”
“We recommend temporarily closing schools for a few weeks while the scarcity persists to prevent undue suffering for children and parents,” the group added.
TOM also expressed concern over the worsening power situation, stating that it is the worst Nigerians have experienced in recent history. “The government has not made any clear statements about the deteriorating situations in the power and petroleum industries,” TOM said. “This is grossly irresponsible.”
The group demanded immediate action from the federal government to address the fuel scarcity and erratic power supply, emphasising that Nigerians should not be forced to live like slaves in their own country under a democratic government.
“If solving the current hardship requires dismissing government officials, the government must take that decisive action now,” TOM stated. “The government must also immediately inform Nigerians about the state of the Port-Harcourt Refinery. Promises have been made to make the nation’s refineries operational soon, with the added promise that this will reduce the price of petroleum products in the country. Nigerians are waiting for these promises to be fulfilled and must not be made to wait too long.”
“The federal government must act responsibly and fulfil its promises on the power and petroleum sectors,” TOM continued. “Failure to do so may force Nigerians to take to the streets to protest the current mismanagement of our critical sectors.”
The group also called on the Osun State Government and other states to take control of electricity regulation within their jurisdictions, following the recent example set by Ekiti State with the launch of an Electricity Regulatory Agency.
“It is high time the states took charge of delivering electricity to their people to ensure development in their respective domains,” TOM stated. “Osun State must take this step as soon as possible, as it cannot be left behind in this critical area, especially at this time when the electricity situation in the state is at its worst.”