Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu on Friday, urging him to take immediate action to address the growing economic hardship in Nigeria. The prophet cautioned that if urgent steps are not taken, the nation could soon face even darker days.
In his statement, Ayodele pointed out that while petrol prices have recently dropped to N945 per litre, they are likely to soar back up to N1,200 per litre if the government fails to effectively tackle the country’s mounting economic challenges. He also forecasted that basic commodities would become increasingly unaffordable, further straining the average Nigerian.
“Let Nigerians not be deceived; the country will continue to experience economic hardship this year unless the government takes the necessary actions,” Ayodele warned. “Our borders remain closed, and this is making life harder for everyone. Petrol prices will eventually rise, and the common man will struggle even more.”
Among the commodities that Primate Ayodele predicted will skyrocket in price are local rice, which could reach N100,000 per bag, and imported rice, which might cost as much as N140,000. He also forewarned that other essentials such as yam, beans, vegetable oil, and even spiritual items like anointing oil would become increasingly out of reach for many Nigerians.
Additionally, Ayodele criticized the government’s rice palliative program, calling it ineffective and a breeding ground for corruption. “The rice palliative is not helping anyone; it’s only fueling corruption. It’s not solving the problem. This hardship is not caused by divine forces, but by those in power who are failing to act responsibly,” he said. “The hunger and poverty in this country won’t go away unless real solutions are implemented.”
The prophet also warned that if the government does not take swift and decisive action, unrest could follow. “If things don’t improve, people will eventually begin to protest in ways that won’t be easy to manage,” Ayodele cautioned. “The government needs to create committees to address the hardship on all fronts before the situation escalates further.”
Primate Ayodele’s statements reflect a deep concern for the nation’s future, urging President Tinubu and his administration to prioritize the well-being of the people by confronting Nigeria’s economic struggles head-on.