CITIZENS COMPASS – President Bola Tinubu says his administration will cushion the effects of fuel subsidy on many Nigerians assuring them that the framework for palliatives is underway.
He spoke in Abuja on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, while receiving18 former governors who served as governors at the same time as him – Class of 1999 – led by former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, at the Presidential Villa. He appealed for more patience from Nigerians.
He said the government would increase effort, speed up the process and ensure a full-proof social security structure that would not be compromised, especially in cash transfer, a statement issued by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, said.
“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 of smugglers.
“Please tell the people to be a little patient.
“The palliative is coming. I don’t want cash-transfers to fall into the wrong hands. I know it pinches and it is difficult. In the end, we will rejoice in the prosperity of our country,’’
“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 honoured 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 noted that the country will not make meaningful progress without fixing electricity, assuring that his administration will harness gas resources, and explore every opportunity to ensure stable power generation and supply.
On security, the President who earlier met with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State to review the situation in the North East, appealed to Nigerians, especially Plateau State, to sheath their swords and use dialogue in resolving conflicts, adding that issues of borders were man-made, not created by God.
“We will do everything possible to stabilise 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 actualisation.
“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 10 of their mates had passed on.
Other former 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.
Meanwhile, Tinubu has proposed to the National Assembly the sum of N500bn palliatives for the fuel subsidy.
However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have kicked against the N500bn palliative proposed by the President stating that it is grossly inadequate to assuage the hardships confronting workers sequel to the fuel subsidy removal.
They are demanding a 300 per cent salary increase to enable workers cope with the challenges imposed by the deteriorating economic situation that came with the removal of the fuel subsidy.
