Hon. Rufus Bature, the Plateau State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Secretary to the Plateau State Government, spoke with The Nigerian Tribune on a range of topics, including Governor Caleb Manasseh’s recent defection to the APC, the debates surrounding his induction into the party, and other related matters.
When asked about concerns that, more than two years into office, the APC-led federal government has yet to fully meet its mandate to Nigerians, and that living standards remain low, Hon. Bature said, “When you talk about hardship, hardship is relative. As of last Christmas, rice was selling for N90,000 to N100,000. Today, you go to the market, and rice is N50,000 to N60,000. Maize has gone down. Foodstuff has come down. And whatever you do, if you don’t eat, you cannot do anything.”
Hon. Bature noted that the prices of several food items have started to ease, and fuel costs, which traditionally spike during the Christmas season, have shown a marked decline. He cited his recent experience buying fuel in Abuja at N738 per litre, compared with prices exceeding N1,000 just a few months ago.
He observed, however, that some commodities have yet to reflect similar reductions, attributing this in part to sellers who have not recognized their own responsibilities as leaders. “When you point one finger at someone, the other fingers are pointing back at you,” he remarked.
He explained that while prices had risen previously due to fuel costs and other factors, the current decline presents an opportunity for Nigerians to take collective responsibility in strengthening the economy. He stressed that leadership extends beyond political office, noting that every Nigerian plays a role within their households and workplaces.
Bature lauded President Bola Tinubu for pursuing ambitious reforms under the “Renewed Hope” agenda. He encouraged citizens to look beyond sentiment and place confidence in the President’s decisions, emphasizing that few, if any, past leaders have taken such decisive steps aimed at transforming the country’s economic and governance structures for lasting improvement.
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