Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abijah (Agenzia Fides) - The President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, announced today, January 16, the reduction of the price of petrol from 141 to 97 naira per litre, although it has not re-introduced the old price of 65 naira per litre before January 1, when the government suddenly decided to eliminate subsidies for fuel prices. The President's decision is intended to contain the strong popular protest, led by the powerful local unions, which have paralyzed the country for days.
"The announcement of the reduction in the price of fuel was done at 7am this morning, we are still waiting for the population’s reactions" says to Fides, His Exc. Mgr. John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja. "Yesterday, however, when the measure was in the air, the unions said that the strike continues, although there will be no more demonstrations in the streets. We will see what they will do now. But I think that many Nigerians will return to work".
This morning clashes were reported between demonstrators and the military units that have also deployed armored vehicles, but in Abuja, according to Mgr. Onaiyekan the situation appears calm. Mgr. Onaiyekan also claims to appreciate the desire expressed by President Jonathan to ensure greater transparency on the income from oil sales. "We have been waiting for such a measure for years. To this end, the President has invited foreign experts to Nigeria to verify the management of oil revenues in producing Countries, especially African". Nigeria is one of the most important African oil producers, but its population does not benefit from it because of corruption.
The Bishops of Nigeria, in the statement sent to Fides, have urged the government and trade unions to find a compromise to resolve the situation. "We believe that through sincere dialogue, all parties can quickly find an agreement to allow our nation to advance", says the document. "But as the days go by, both parties have been so adamant about their positions. So far, apparently all parties claim to have in mind the welfare of the poor, but from what we see, it is the poor who are caught in the crossfire".
The Bishops also expressed their concern over the violence that characterized the protests: "It is clear that the strike in many places has been taken up by criminals who have other interests in mind and not the good of the nation. We condemn the introduction of violence".
The Bishops therefore demanded a return to the negotiating table to ensure the stability of Nigeria, already threatened by the attacks of the Boko Haram sect. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 16/01/2012)
