Ex-Appeal court president urges FG to expedite action on palliatives

A former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to expedite action on the implementation of the palliatives recently announced by the government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the government announced the measures amid protests that trailed the recent increase in the pump price of petrol and economic hardship faced by the masses.

Abdullahi, who spoke with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, said that speedy implementation of the palliatives would cushion the effect of the current hardship being experienced by Nigerians.

He, however, said that the Buhari-led Federal Government was on track in refocusing governance and the economy.

``The president must address the challenges posed by hunger, social deprivation and insecurity in some parts of the country.

``Government must ensure that there is food on the table for the common man before we can gain their support and confidence.

``Buhari is a bosom friend, classmate and brother; he is on track in the fight against corruption; Nigerians should be patient and allow him to clean up the country,’’ he said.

Abdullahi urged the Federal Government to overhaul the various price control agencies, including the Consumer Protection Council, to ensure that the common man was not short-changed in the price mechanism.

On the current Niger Delta crisis, he described it as ``a distraction’’ to the government.

He appealed to the agitators to embrace dialogue and give the president a chance to deliver on his promises.