Northern Elders Tell Tinubu: Nigerians’ Patience Is Not Acceptance of Fuel Pain
The Northern States Christian Elders Forum, led by Chairman Elder Sunday Oibe, warned President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, September 16, 2026, not to mistake Nigerians’ patience for acceptance of hardship, urging him to scrap the recent petrol price increase. The forum said another fuel price hike would tighten the already worsened situation and deepen the uncertainty confronting millions of Nigerians.
They stressed that the patience of Nigerians should not be mistaken for acceptance of perpetual hardship, and called on the President to use the remaining period of his administration to tackle immediate pressures on citizens, including the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, and the decay of critical infrastructure. The elders urged the government to look beyond repeated fuel price increases for revenue and explore alternative, sustainable sources instead of continually transferring the burden to citizens.
Citizens should note that influential northern leaders are publicly challenging the administration’s fuel pricing policy, signaling growing discontent. If the government does not respond, further calls for policy reversal or protests may emerge. The elders’ message is clear: ease hardship now or risk losing public trust.