Pump price increase: Nigeria tilting towards a failed state-Secondus

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has said with the recent increase in the pump price of petrol Nigeria was inching closer to a full blown failed state. 

Secondus said this in an interview, in Abuja, yesterday. 

He explained that the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress administration has over the last close to two years demonstrated a lack of capacity to provide leadership for Nigeria. 

Secondus said, “All the indices are pointing to a failed state and democracy. All we need is prayers for our country, because the masses are in trouble. 

“They are suffering, the hardship is too much. Just a few hours ago, the pump price of petrol, has been raised to the highest level now, which is N1,100 and in some places, N1,200. The situation is biting harder and harder every other day.”

He also took time off to comment about the crisis in the PDP particularly in his home state of Rivers. 

According to him, the crisis is not necessary and would not have happened if every one played his/ her role. 

The former Chairman said there can’t be two captains in one boat. 

He maintained that Governor Siminalaye Fubara as governor is the leader of the PDP in the state and deserves to be accorded the rights and privileges of office by all party members. 

He said, “There are no two captains in a ship. Governor Fubara is our governor and the leader of our state. 

“Whatever that is happening in PDP in Rivers state will be resolved very soon.

“Governor Fubara is the leader and the governor of the state.” 

In a veiled reference to the Chief Nyesom Wike-led PDP members who do not regard Fubara as party leader, “They know the truth. I believe that God will help us and make them to back down, because the rancour is unnecessary.

“ I feel very pained about the state because bussiness and investors are running away. So they should tone itdown. 

“That's my general advice. We should tone it down so that the state can witness progress under the able leadership of Governor Fubara,” he said.

The former party chief also called for judicial reforms to save Nigeria’s fledgling democracy from collapse. 

Secondus noted that (The judiciary) is one arm of government that you can't do without. 

“You can also not do without hospitals. So, either you go to court, or some people take you to court. Some, you will get right, some you may not get right. 

“My feeling is that there should be improvements and reforms. We will get there one day when the situation will be perfect.

“ It may not be in my favour, but all the same, it is that we all are looking for, an improvement and reform in the judiciary.”