The Osun Masterminds (TOM) has recommended close down of schools to ease the hardship of students and parents occasioned by the scarcity of fuel in the country.
The group in its monthly address in Osogbo, Osun state, Tuesday, also advised Governor Ademola Adeleke and other states to take custody of the state’s electricity regulation.
Speaking at a press conference, the Executive Director of TOM, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, called on the presidency to provide urgent and lasting solution to the problem of power supply in Nigeria.
“In just a few days of this meaningless fuel scarcity, Nigerians have faced one of the toughest experiences of their lives. Students have had to return home, unable to get to their respective schools due to shortage of public transportation. The economy is getting crippled by the day as workers and informal sector operators are also unable to get to their places of work.
“We recommend the shutting down of schools maybe for a few weeks while this scarcity lasts to avoid the children and their parents suffering unduly.
“In the midst of all of these, the power situation in recent times has been the worst Nigerians have experienced in recent history. Yet, the government has not made any clear statements about the worsening situations across the power and petroleum industries. This is grossly irresponsible.
“We demand as a group that the federal government acts immediately to solve all the problems about the epileptic power supply and fuel scarcity, to stop the untold hardship that Nigerians are currently going through. We cannot be living like slaves in our own country, under democratic governance.
“It is high time the states took charge of the delivery of electricity to their people, to ensure development in their respective domains. Osun state must take this step as soon as possible, as it cannot be left behind in this critical area, especially at this time when the electricity situation in the state is at the worst it has ever been,” the group said.
