The Gombe Network of Civil Society says recent removal of oil subsidies has exacerbated existing challenges, leading to widespread inflation, a sharp decline in living standards, and a dire scarcity of essentials, including food and water.
GONET has a network 50 affiliated member organisations, encompassing diverse sectors and demographics across the state.
Our correspondent reports that the organisation’s primary objectives revolve around fostering synergy among civil society entities to address socio-economic, political, infrastructural, and sustainable development challenges. Its focus areas include advocating for political accountability, combating corruption, complementing state initiatives to address insecurity, and tackling various social and economic disparities.
According to a press statement signed by the Chairman, GONET Gombe Ibrahim Yusuf, the network urgently drew the attention of the Nigerian government regarding the severe hardships experienced by citizens across the nation.
The statement partly read, “The removal of oil subsidies has resulted in a crippling increase in inflation, making basic necessities unaffordable for many Nigerians. The common man is facing dire circumstances, struggling to secure the most fundamental sustenance; Families are going hungry, children are malnourished, and communities are suffering.
“Furthermore, there is a concerning lack of transparency and accountability regarding the utilization of public funds, particularly those derived from the subsidy removal. Citizens are left in the dark about how these funds are being allocated and whether they are being utilised to address the pressing needs of the populace.
“Added to the burden, the recent electricity tariff hike has been implemented without proper consultation with consumers, further burdening already struggling households and small businesses. This unilateral decision has only served to deepen the economic hardship faced by the people, with no regard for their ability to bear such increased financial burden.”
While commending the government for its far-reaching interventions in providing food palliatives, the Network which was established in 2023, as a unified platform for civil societies, non-governmental, non-partisan, not-for-profit, and non-ethnic organisation, emphasised its aim of advocating for democratic best practices, accountable governance, and holistic development within Gombe State, Nigeria, and beyond.
“We acknowledge the government’s efforts in implementing palliative measures, but it’s imperative to highlight that these short-term solutions are not realistic, transparent, or sustainable. Instead, we advocate for an inclusive approach involving engineers and experts to devise lasting solutions to the country’s myriad problems. This approach should be bottom-up, with a clear strategy aimed at addressing the root causes of the challenges faced by the nation.
“Tragically, the current situation has led to a devastating loss of lives on a daily basis, as individuals succumb to the harsh realities of poverty, lack of access to basic necessities, and inadequate healthcare It is unacceptable that such suffering is allowed to persist without meaningful intervention from the authorities.
“We implore both the state and federal governments to take immediate and decisive action to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian people. It is imperative that steps are taken to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal, ensure transparency in the use of public funds, and provide relief measures to those most affected by the economic crisis.
“Additionally, we call on the government to prioritise the revitalisation of education and healthcare services at the grassroots level, as neglect in these essential sectors only serves to perpetuate the cycle of poverty and suffering.
“The time for action is now. We can not afford to delay any longer while our fellow citizens continue to endure unimaginable hardships. We urge the government to heed our plea and take proactive measures to address the crisis before it escalates further,” the statement added.
