The Northern States Christian Elders Forum has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against reading Nigerians’ endurance as approval of their suffering.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, the forum urged the President to scrap the latest increase in the pump price of petrol. It argued that another hike would only worsen an already difficult situation and deepen the uncertainty facing millions of Nigerians.

The elders said the President should use the remainder of his administration to confront the immediate pressures on citizens, listing the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and the decay of critical infrastructure.

“The patience of Nigerians should not be mistaken for acceptance of perpetual hardship,” the statement warned.

The forum also asked the government to look beyond repeated fuel price increases when it needs extra revenue to fund its programmes and obligations, stressing that alternative and sustainable sources should be explored rather than shifting the burden onto citizens.