Muslim journalists on the platform of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) have advised the Federal Government to reduce the cost of governance instead of the planned subsidy removal.
News Reporters recalls that the Federal Government had a few days ago announced its plan to remove subsidies on petroleum products.
But, MMPN in its reaction has advised the government to shelve the idea of oil subsidy removal.
The Oyo State chapter of the association, in a communique issued at the end of its monthly meeting held in Ibadan on Sunday, insisted that the government should reduce the cost of governance toward developmental projects.
In the communique made available to Newsmen on Monday through its Chairman, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi, MMPN enjoined the government not to remove oil subsidy because such a move will lead to an increase in prices of fuel and other essential commodities.
The association revealed that the removal of subsidies at this time will inflict more suffering on the majority of the Nigerian masses.
It appealed to the committee set up by the Federal Government on fuel subsidy to advise the government to look for other options such as reduction in the cost of governance at all levels by 70 percent.
The reduction in the cost of governance will help to save more money as the Association believes that the cost of governance in the country is too high compared to the developed world,” it said.
The association while reviewing recent happenings in the journalism profession in the state, advised media professionals to uphold the responsibility of being the watchdog of the society by avoiding practices that could lead to derailment from its journalistic ethos.
The charade that led to the NUJ National election, the brouhaha that characterized NUJ, Oyo State Correspondent Chapel election and the recent State NAWOJ election where two factions are claiming leadership of the union is a show of shame which have soiled the wat,chdog responsibility of the media as well as its role model functions.
MMPN warns civil and public servants against being overzealous in implementing government circulars or taking steps that could lead to denial or infringement on Muslims fundamental human rights,” it added.
