Prophet Samson Ayorinde, Founder/ General Overseer, World Evangelism Inc (WEBIC), has urged Nigeria’s political leaders from the president, governors, lawmakers and their aides tocut their salaries by 50 per cent to show empathy to aggrieved Nigerians.
A nationwide hunger protest was embarked on by millions of Nigerians between August 1 and August 10, a development that led to destruction of lives and property in some states.
Ayorinde urged political leaders to stop making provocative statements which do not save the precarious situation of the country. He spoke to the media in his office in Lagos.
Civil society organisations in the country had asked the federal government to address the economic dilemma or they would embark on the 10-day protest. President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation on Sunday, August 4th.The national broadcast, the organisers of the protest said, failed to address the issues on ground. They vowed to continue with their protests.
Addressing the media, Ayorinde said: “My message is to plead, encourage and beg both parties to sheathe the sword and embrace dialogue for an amicable resolution of the crisis which is draining our fragile economy. Every protest, even war, will end up on the negotiating table,” Ayorinde said.
The cleric also noted that the federal government should show more sympathy to suffering Nigerians.
“Also, governors, lawmakers and other political leaders should dialogue with the protesters and let them know they are with them and plot the way forward in resolving the hardship in the land.
“On the way out of the economic quagmire, the federal government should find a way of reducing the high electricity tarrifs, improving generation and distribution to boost the economy.
“The government should encourage more private modular refineries to break the monopoly of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),stop importation of refined fuel which encourages fraud and high cost to consumers .The government can also build modular and cost effective refineries in each of the six geo-political zones of the country. It should also look into repairing some roads to ease transportation of fuel across the country.
“Government should explore the solid minerals sector, create conducive atmosphere for both local and international investors. Nigeria is rich in solid minerals resources that we should tap to boost the economy and reduce undue reliance on oil that won’t last forever.
“Nigeria has very large gas which should be exploited and exported all over the world. It’s time more emphasis should be shifted to agriculture. Our land is good for commercial exploitation if only the government improves security to ensure safety of our peasants,” Ayorinde said.
He recommended regular dialogue between the leaders and the people to avoid disconnect with the citizenry.
Also speaking at the event, his wife and co-Founder of WEBIC, Prophetess Mercy Ayorinde,
said as the organiser of the Fruitful Victorious Moments, all participants, both men and women, meet monthly to pray for individuals, families, WEBIC and indeed Nigeria at the church headquarters in Lagos.
“I organise the Fruitful Women and Men to pray for individuals’ spiritual challenges. We just had the thanksgiving service for this year’s Achieving Ladies Congress at our headquarters. Our Men’s Convention was held in June this year .It was awesome because we had seminars and a programme on health and rounded off with a thanksgiving service on June 30th.
“Our Royal Evangel Choir organised Praise In Advance Vigil that was attended by Gospel artistes. It was a night to remember,” she said.
According to her, the General Overseer also meets with the Men’s Fellowship every month. It is called ‘Breakfast with the Prophet,’ at the church’s headquarters in Lagos.
“Of course, our youths are not left out. Every year we organised summer programme where they are camped for three days. It is an event where we mentor our youths spiritually. This year’s event will hold between August 16th and 18th in Lagos. Every November is our mantle month, and it comes up in the first week,” Mrs Ayorinde noted