…Says we will overcome turbulence, Nigeria will emerge stronger
…Tinubu’s reforms targeting past mistakes – Minister
…Returning petrol subsidy will worsen poverty – NOA boss warns
By Sodiq Adelakun
As the grip of economic hardship tightens on Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu has once again appealed to the nation to look beyond the present difficulties, assuring citizens that his administration’s policies will ultimately yield the desired results.
In a move that emphasises the growing concern over the country’s economic woes, Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to navigating Nigeria through these turbulent times, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful for a brighter future.
He has called for patience from Nigerians, emphasising that the country is moving towards a brighter future despite the current economic difficulties.
Recall that Tinubu acknowledged the severe impact of recent policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, but assured that his administration’s plans are in progress to address these challenges.
In an official video released by the State House on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu pleaded with Nigerians to endure the current hardships and remain hopeful about the future.
The President admitted that the recent removal of the fuel subsidy and the naira’s floatation have intensified economic strains on the populace.
He described this period as challenging but emphasised that these tough times are temporary.Tinubu explained that the pain felt by Nigerians was exacerbated by what he termed an “avoidable lag” between the subsidy removal and the full implementation of his administration’s supportive measures.
He stated, “Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there’s no doubt that it is tough, but I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work. Sadly, there was an avoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully online.
“I plead with you, please have faith in our ability to deliver and our concern for your well-being. We will get out of this turbulence, and due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.
“For example, we shall fulfil our promise to make education more affordable to all and provide loans to higher education students who may need them. No Nigerian student will have to abandon higher education due to lack of money.
“Our commitment is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of our people. On principle, we shall never falter. I assure you, my fellow countrymen and women, that we are exiting the darkness to enter a new and glorious dawn. Now, I must get back to work in order to make this vision come true.”
The President assured that the measures his government has taken would get the country out of the lingering economic crisis.
This address marked the second time Tinubu has addressed Nigerians since the beginning of the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests.
The protests turned violent in some states, including Kano, Abuja, and Kaduna, where demonstrators believed to be infiltrators were seen waving Russian flags and calling for a military takeover.
…Tinubu’s reforms targeting past mistakes — Information minister
The Federal Government has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is focused on correcting past mistakes and poor policies that have hindered Nigeria’s progress.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris stated this while briefing the Diplomatic Community on the nationwide protest in Abuja on Wednesday.
He explained that Tinubu’s reforms are aimed at addressing historical problems and making bold decisions to drive sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
According to Idris, “Tinubu is not under any illusion that the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and the harmonisation of foreign exchange rates would not come with some transitional pains. That informed the decision of the Federal Government to design comprehensive intervention programmes to cushion the transitional pains.”
He assured that the government is committed to preventing the recurrence of violent incidents that occurred during the protest, stating that “the worst is over” and an investigation has been launched to identify and bring to justice those responsible.
Idris emphasised that Tinubu’s administration is determined to implement reforms that would drive sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for all citizens, stressing that the current challenges are only temporary.
…Returning petrol subsidy will worsen poverty – NOA boss warns
In the same vein, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has urged Nigerians to adapt to the removal of petrol subsidy, warning that returning it will exacerbate poverty.
He emphasised that the demand for subsidy removal is emotional, not economic, and that the government is working to mitigate the effects of the removal.
Issa-Onilu acknowledged the trust deficit between leaders and followers due to past broken promises but assured that the current government is committed to keeping its promises.
He stressed that the removal of petrol subsidy is a necessary decision for economic reforms.