President Bola Tinubu on Democracy Day appealed to Nigerians to bear with his administration on its resolve to implement the fuel subsidy removal of his immediate predecessor’s administration, assuring them that it is a decision that will save the country from collapsing.
President Tinubu made the appeal in his Democracy Day speech on Monday morning, explaining that the decision would help Nigeria to preserve resources, which he said his administration would devote to other critical sectors for public good.
The President said the significance of June 12 is in the ideal of the icon of the day and acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola, whose ideal and objective was to deploy state resources to deliver the the answer to defeating poverty to the Nigerian masses.
President Tinubu however called on all Nigerians to dedicate themselves to ensuring democracy survives in Nigeria, even as he vowed to ensure his administration dedicates itself to every component of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
“The democracy that will yield right dividends to the people who are the shareholders means more than just freedom of choice and right to get people into elective offices. It means social and economic justice for our people. To the winner of June 12, democracy offers the best chance to fight and eliminate poverty.
“Thirty years ago, he christened his campaign manifesto, ‘Farewell to Poverty’ because he was convinced that there is nothing divine about poverty. It is a man-made problem that can be eliminated with clearly thought out social and economic policies.
“It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up for collective use the much-needed resources, which had hitherto been pocketed by a few rich. 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.
“Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. 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,” he said.
