FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL: TINUBU ASSURES NIGERIANS OF UNITY, STABILITY, EQUITY AND PROSPERITY OF THE NATION
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu informed Nigerians on Wednesday in Abuja that the framework for remedies to counteract the impacts of the elimination of gasoline subsidies was being worked out and that the move was in the greatest interest of the nation, particularly in ensuring future prosperity.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to exercise more patience while the government increased effort, accelerated the process, and ensured a fully secure social security system that would not be compromised, particularly in cash transfers. He was joined at the Presidential Villa by 18 governors who served with him in the Class of 1999.
“I understand that our people are suffering yet there can be no childbirth without pain. The joy of childbirth is the relief that comes after the pain. Nigeria is reborn already with fuel subsidy removal. It is a rebirth of the country for the largest number over a few smugglers.
“Please tell the people to be a little patient. The palliative is coming. I don’t want cash-transfer to fall into wrong hands. I know it pinches and it is difficult. In the end, we will rejoice in the prosperity of our country,’’ he told the governors, who were led by former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion.
“We served as governors and sat in this Council Chamber. All I wanted was democracy and the salvation of the country. I never thought I was going to be here as President, but God Almighty has brought me,’’ President Tinubu stated.
The President assured the governors and Nigerians that he will work towards “unity, equity, stability, and prosperity of the country’’.
“My commitment to that democratic value is unwavering. I am overwhelmed and honored by the numbers of you here,’’ he said, “I have an open door policy. You are my advisers. We went into the pond and wrestled with a pig. We got dirty, and cleaned up. That is why I am here today.’’
President Tinubu stated that without addressing electricity, the nation will not make significant progress. He pledged that his administration would utilize gas resources and look into every option to guarantee steady power generation and supply.
Regarding security, the President, who had earlier met with Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to review the situation in the region, urged Nigerians, particularly in Plateau State, to put down their weapons and engage in peaceful conflict resolution. He added that border disputes were man-made rather than the result of divine intervention.
“We will do everything possible to stabilize the country,’’ he added.
The former governors urged the President to pursue his vision for a greater Nigeria with vigour, steadfastness, and resilience, trusting their support for development policies, and promising to provide the necessary social structure for actualization.
“We are here with you. We are your foot soldiers, and you can tap into our experience. You are a person who believes in Nigeria. With your good leadership, Nigeria will take its place,’’ Igbinedion, Chairman, Class of 1999, said.
He affirmed that they were 19 at the meeting, including President Tinubu, who was former Governor of Lagos State and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, former Governor of Benue State, while ten of their mates had passed on.
Other governors at the meeting with President Tinubu were Niyi Adebayo, Ekiti State, Sen. Orji Uzo Kalu, Abia State, Sen. Sam Egwu, Ebonyi State, Adamu Muazu, Bauchi State, Donald Duke, Cross River State, James Ibori, Delta State, Obong Victor Attah, Akwa Ibom State, Chimaroke Nnamani, Enugu State, Saminu Turaki, Jigawa State, Sen. Aleiro Adamu, Olusegun Osoba, Ogun State, Adebisi Akande, Osun State, Sen. Joshua Dariye, Plateau State, Attahiru Bafarawa, Sokoto State, Ahmad Sani Yarima, Zamfara State and Rev. Jolly Nyame, Taraba State.
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