The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has put forth a comprehensive appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to implement specific measures aimed at alleviating the economic challenges faced by Nigerians in the wake of the removal of fuel subsidies.
Rev. Stephen Panya, the President of ECWA, acknowledged and commended Tinubu’s efforts to revamp the economy and restore the value of the naira.
In the detailed appeal, ECWA outlined several key recommendations:
- Tuition-Free Federal Institutions: ECWA called for the implementation of tuition-free education in all Federal Government tertiary institutions. This, according to the church, would serve as an immediate relief to the financial burden on students and their families.
- Wage Increase for Workers: The church emphasised the necessity of significantly increasing the wages of workers. This measure is seen as crucial to offset the economic challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
- Responsible Fiscal Management: ECWA underscored the importance of responsible fiscal management. This includes cutting unnecessary expenses, enhancing revenue collection, and implementing targeted subsidies and social safety nets for vulnerable groups through a re-invigorated national social investment programme.
- National Unity and Cohesion: ECWA stressed the urgent need for the Tinubu administration to foster national unity and cohesion. The church called for efforts to bridge divides along ethnic, regional, and religious lines, promoting inclusiveness, equitable distribution of democratic dividends, and abolishing discriminatory policies.
- Implementation of the Federal Character Principle: The church reminded the administration of the provision in the 1999 Constitution regarding the federal character principle. ECWA urged the government to ensure equal representation and opportunities for all segments of Nigerian society.
- Promotion of Love and Unity: ECWA encouraged all Nigerians to embrace the love of God and work towards unity. The church emphasised the importance of recognising and celebrating the nation’s diversities as strengths that contribute to progress and development.
In presenting these recommendations, ECWA seeks to contribute to a holistic and sustainable approach to addressing the economic challenges facing Nigerians while fostering national unity and social cohesion.
The church’s appeal reflects a concern for the well-being of citizens and a commitment to advocating for measures that promote shared prosperity.
Source: The Nation Newspaper