President Bola Tinubu has offered assurance to Nigerians that the pain felt across the country over the removal of oil subsidy will not be in vain and is in the long-term interests of the country as his administration is prepared to make massive investments in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.
He gave this assurance in his Democracy Day address which was broadcast to the nation earlier today to mark the June 12 holiday. Noting the significance of the day to Nigeria’s democratic journey, he reiterated his shared belief with MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12 election that was annulled by the military, that poverty is a man-made problem that can be eliminated with sound socioeconomic policies.
He said, “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 pledged anew his administration’s commitment to diligently fulfilling every component of its electoral pact with the people – the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.