Implement Policies To Tackle Inflation, Methodist Bishops Task FG
Bishops of Methodist Church, Nigeria have tasked the Federal Government to implement policies that will tame inflation in the country.
They gave the task at the end of 41st annual council meeting of Bishops of Methodist Church, Nigeria with the theme, “Arise & Build” held at Hoares Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Archdiocese of Lagos Mainland, Sabo, Lagos.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Methodist Bishops said that concerted efforts from the government were important to alleviate the financial strain on consumers and sustain economic stability amidst ongoing economic challenges.
According to the communique which was read by the Prelate, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Aba: “To address this, the Council urges the authorities to implement a more effective management system for the dollar’s floating rate and to regulate the activities of bureau de change operators.
The Council stresses the need for decisive action to stabilize the local currency and appreciates the recent move to ban financial transactions in foreign currencies, we hope it will bring some respite to the struggling economy.
The Bishop Council also commended the Federal Government and the judiciary for last Thursday’s ruling that affirmed local governments right to the funds accruing to them from the federation account
The communique reads: “We commend the recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments. We urge local governments to utilize their allocations for the benefit of the people, prioritizing development projects that improve the lives of citizens.
Parts of the communique reads: “The Council acknowledges the vital role of youth in society and urges them to harness their talents and abilities for positive impact. Unfortunately, negative stereotypes about youth prevail, and therefore, caution and care are essential. To promote youth development and empowerment, the Council advocates for collaboration between the church, government, and society. It encourages youth to participate in politics and contribute to the country’s progress. The government is expected to take the lead in empowering youth and unlocking their potential. By doing so, we can build a brighter future for all.
“The Council expresses alarm at the high rate of unemployment among young people, which is linked to various social vices. We urge governments and parents to take responsibility for empowering their children. The Council is concerned about the rising cases of teenage pregnancy, cultism, fraud, exam malpractices, political thuggery, prostitution, drug abuse, and other criminal activities among youth. We warn that if left unaddressed, these issues may lead to chaos and anarchy in the country, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
“The Council is calling on the Federal Government to step up its efforts to address the worsening insecurity in the country, condemning the violent actions of criminals such as bandits, kidnappers, and armed robbers. The Council demands accountability for recent attacks on public institutions and urges security agencies to work together to find a comprehensive solution to the country’s security challenges.
In a positive note, the Council commends the Lagos State government for its progress in improving security in the state.
“The Council addresses domestic violence, acknowledging the economic challenges that may contribute to it. We encourage families to speak out against toxic relationships and support efforts to amend the constitution to protect women. The Council advocates for a collaborative approach to prevent domestic violence, involving families, religious institutions, and individuals. We also emphasize the importance of reporting incidents to the authorities, serving as whistleblowers to ensure action is taken to prevent domestic violence.”