Subsidy removal for the interest of Nigerians, says Tinubu
By Emma Ogbuehi
Amidst the pains and anguish occasioned by the sudden removal of subsidy on the premium motor spirit otherwise called petrol by the government, President Bola Tinubu, has defended the action, saying it is in the best interest of Nigerians in the long run. Tinubu said the measure needed to be adopted to save the nation from going under and free up for collective use the much-needed resources, which had hitherto been pocketed by a few rich.
Tinubu made the declarations in his speech to mark the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations. He admitted feeling the pains of Nigerians as a result of the decision but insisted that it needed to be done if the country must survive from the greed of few unpatriotic elements making the kills from the subsidy regime.
The president said; “I admit that the decision will impose extra burden on the masses of our people. I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements”.
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He pleaded with Nigerians to persevere with their sacrifice, pledging not to let them down at the end of the day. “For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives”, Tinubu assured.
He urged Nigerians to remain faithful to democracy as the best form of government, assuring that as the president, he would do everything possible to encourage the practice.
Tinubu said: “On this year’s Democracy Day, I enjoin us all to rededicate ourselves to strengthening this form of government of free peoples that has been our guiding light these past 24 years. In particular, those of us who have been privileged to be elected into public offices at various levels in both the executive and legislative arms of government must recommit ourselves to offering selfless service to the people, and delivering concrete democracy dividends in accordance with our electoral promises.
On my part and that of my administration, I pledge anew our commitment to diligently fulfilling every component of our electoral pact with the people – the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda”.
He pledged to be faithful to truth, faithful to equity and faithful to justice, adding, “We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people”.
