CNG seeks FG’S intervention to stem rising cost of commodities

• APC blames opposition for mass protest in Minna, Kano • IPAC, CUPP fault ruling party’s bulk- passing

COALITION of Northern Groups ( CNG), yesterday, expressed deep concern over the continuous rise in prices of essential commodities in the country, and sought urgent intervention by the government.

The coalition, in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, lamented that the soaring costs of food and other necessities left Nigerians in despair, struggling to provide for their families.

He said: “Inaction on the part of the Consumer Protection Board, which should safeguard the interest of the people, has only worsened the situation, fuelling frustration and anger among citizens. This inaction aggravated the suffering, while a privileged few continue to live in opulence. It is disheartening to witness such a stark contrast between the elite and the suffering masses, and it is high time resources were utilised for the benefit of all citizens. “The exorbitant hike in food prices in Nigeria is not a result of natural market forces, but the self- serving interests of the unscrupulous elite. The elite manipulated the forex market, causing a scarcity of foreign exchange and subsequently driving up the cost of importing essential food items.”

CNG is of the belief that the individuals responsible for the current hardship are those who have historically received substantial unregulated allocations of foreign currencies from the government.

It added: “However, with the government now closing the doors on such practices, these individuals have resorted to manipulating commodity prices to maintain their profits.”

The coalition, therefore, called for urgent intervention of the government to address the problem, adding that failure to take appropriate action might result in chaos.

MEANWHILE, the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) has blamed opposition political parties for the mass protests in Minna and Kano metropolis.

APC’S National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in a statement, yesterday, claimed that the protests bear a bold stamp of an orchestrated and coordinated effort to instigate unrest and undermine the government.