Elijah Salihu Malgwi

STATEMENT BY THE VILLAGE BOYS MOVEMENT Office of the National Town Crier (Spokesperson) The Village Boys Movement rejects the Federal Government’s sudden 30-day petrol “discount” as a temporary political stunt designed to deceive Nigerians and create the illusion of relief after years of crushing economic hardship. The government says this is “not a subsidy” but merely the sale of petrol at cost through NNPC stations. Nigerians are not interested in semantic gymnastics. Whether it is called a discount, price modulation, intervention, or cost-based selling, the real question is simple: Who will benefit, how much will they save, and what happens after 30 days? After the removal of subsidy, the naira’s collapse, soaring transport fares, rising food prices, and widespread hardship, the Tinubu administration cannot expect Nigerians to celebrate a short-term arrangement announced amid growing public anger. A government that truly cares about the people would provide a transparent, sustainable, and nationwide solution—not an emergency relief package timed to manage political pressure. The absence of clear details is deeply troubling. The government has not adequately explained the exact discount per litre, the funding mechanism, the stations covered, the quantity of petrol involved, or how public transporters will be selected. Without transparency, this programme risks becoming another avenue for patronage, diversion, and political propaganda. The Village Boys Movement demands: Full transparency: Publish the exact price reduction, beneficiaries, stations, funding arrangements, and implementation guidelines. Nationwide accountability: Ensure that the benefit reaches ordinary commuters and does not stop with selected transport operators or politically connected interests. A permanent solution: Present a credible plan for stabilising fuel prices, strengthening local refining, and reducing the cost of transportation. An end to political deception: Nigerians deserve honest leadership, not temporary concessions packaged as economic transformation. A 30-day discount cannot erase years of failed promises. It cannot restore the purchasing power of workers, revive struggling businesses, or reverse the damage inflicted on ordinary families. Nigerians will not be distracted by a short-lived gesture while the broader cost-of-living crisis continues unchecked. The Tinubu administration must understand that Nigerians are awake, watchful, and determined to demand accountability. Relief is not a favour. Affordable fuel, transparent governance, and economic dignity are the rights of the Nigerian people. The Village Boys Movement will continue to stand with the masses towards the attainment of a New Nigeria envisioned Mr Peter Gregory Obi (Presidential Candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress - NDC). Every attempt to use temporary political relief to conceal permanent economic failure will be exposed. E-Signed: Mazi Nnamdi Dickson Iroegbu National Town Crier (Spokesperson) Village Boys Movement (VBM) - 08/10/2026 Arise News Channels Television Vanguard News Nigerian Tribune Punch Newspapers Mr. Peter Obi Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Henry Seriake Dickson News Central TV AIT Online