President Bola Tinubu has called on the citizens of this country, to remain steadfast amidst the economic challenges facing the country, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Tinubu who made this call while speaking during a press briefing on Channels Television, stated that he had pledged to the country, that no decision will be too difficult to make for the good, prosperity and unity of the country, noting that he stands by that pledge.
While expressing regret over the current situation in the country, he begged Nigerians to be a little bit patient, noting that though it is not going to be easy, it is for a better future for the country and its citizens.
According to him, it takes the process to achieve greatness in life, but it is worth taking in the end.
“We can only be straw of today, but cast your mind back to your childhood, once a time you took baby steps to grow up, to become adult, and what you are today, is a pride to all of us,” he said.
President Tinubu announced the fuel subsidy removal during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, and this has given a sudden rise in the cost of petroleum pumping price across the country. The decision has been constantly criticized by the citizens, including the civil societies in the country, who have been lamenting the negative effects of the action on the general standard of living in the society.
Following the reactions of the general public on the effects of the subsidy, the pleaded with the citizens, stating that economic reforms can be slow sometimes, and assured Nigerians that he feels their pains, noting that the reforms will pay off in the end.
“I plead your understanding that economic reforms, even slow down sometimes, I can assure you that I understand your pains, the pains of your uncles, brothers or mums. I can understand. I feel it. It is not easy,” he said.
It would be recalled that the President had earlier proposed the sum of N8,000 to distribute to 12 million households in Nigeria for 6 months, to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on the populace.
Tinubu stated that the fuel subsidy paid by the federal government for over 40 years in Nigeria, was only beneficial to a few elites of this country, noting that Nigerians just need to persevere a little bit, saying that subsidy is a monster of over forty years, which can not be tolerated in our society.
According to him, it is so obvious that Nigeria can no longer afford the subsidy payment because it is not beneficial to the generality and the great number of the people of this country.
“Things that we can not afford, we can not engage in.
“It is obvious, we can not afford the subsidy, it is clear.
“Is meant for just a few elites. Is not beneficial to the generality and the greatest number of the people in this country,” he said.
President Tinubu however challenged the stakeholders to survey the prices of gasoline in various neighbouring countries around Nigeria, noting that he was ready to invest in their survey.
According to him, the neighbouring countries also benefit from the country’s subsidy payment, and the action was weakening the economic strength of Nigeria.
He however assured that Nigeria is tired of all the economic saboteurs and ready to take its life back, noting that the prosperity and happiness of the country is on the way.
“Survey around and I am ready to invest in your survey.
“Look at the prices of gasoline in various countries around, like Lome, Cameroon, Niger Republic or any other countries around us, weakening this elephant.
“We say it the high time the elephant is tired and is ready to have his life back.
“Our life is back, our prosperity is coming, our happiness is along the way,” Tinubu assured.
