Subsidy Removal: Tinubu assures palliatives underway for millions of Nigerians

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appeals for more patience from Nigerians while administration redoubles effort, speed up the process towards ensuring ‘a full-proof social security structure that will not be compromised, especially in cash-transfer’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As millions of Nigerians try hard to cope with the socio-economic realities of the Federal Government’s recent removal of fuel subsidy,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in Abuja, FCT, assured consumers that the framework for palliatives to remedy the effects of fuel subsidy removal was being worked out.

Mr. Dele Alake, Special Adviser (SA) to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, in a statement issued Tuesday said President Tinubu also  assured the citizenry, that the decision to discontinue the controversial petrol subsidy regime was in the best interest of the country, especially in guaranteeing future prosperity.

Tinubu disclosed the latest development on the palliatives when he received 18 Governors who served with him, Class of 1999, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Former Governor Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State led the 17-member erstwhile state governors to the Presidential Villa.

The President further appealed for more patience from Nigerians, while the government will increase effort, speed up the process and ensure a full-proof social security structure that will not be compromised, especially in cash-transfer.

Tinubu stated: “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.”

‘Subsidy is coming,’ says President

The President further assured the citizens: “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 as well told the former state Chief Executives: “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.”

Tinubu also reassured the ex-governors and Nigerians that he would work towards “unity, equity, stability, and prosperity of the country.’’

According to him, his “commitment to that democratic value is unwavering.

“I am overwhelmed and honored by the numbers of you here.

“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.’’

On government’s plan to fix electricity, maximise gas resources

President Tinubu further said Nigeria would not make meaningful progress without fixing electricity.

He also assured the citizenry that his administration would harness gas resources, and explore every opportunity to ensure stable power generation and supply.

On the burning issue of security of lives and property of Nigerians, the President appealed to the people, especially Plateau State, to sheathe their swords and use dialogue in resolving conflicts.

He stressed that issues of borders are man-made, not created by God.

Tinubu noted: “We will do everything possible to stabilise the country.”

Ex-governors assure Tinubu of support

The Presidential aide said the visiting former governors also urged Tinubu to pursue his vision for a greater Nigeria with vigour, steadfastness, and resilience.

They also pledged their support for development policies, and assured of providing the necessary social structure for actualisation.

Igbinedion, Chairman of Class of 1999, said: “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.”

The former Governor of Edo State 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, an ex-Governor of Benue State, while ten of their mates had kicked the bucket.

Alake disclosed other governors at the meeting with President Tinubu were Niyi Adebayo, Ekiti State; Sen. Orji Uzor 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 of Taraba State.

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