The President, Bola Tinubu, assured Nigerians on Wednesday that they will soon get palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal. He said this during the reception of his Class of 1999 Governors at the State House, where they felicitated with him and discussed Nigerians plights.
Dele Alake, spokesman for President Tinubu, made this statement available, Chronicle NG reports.
President Tinubu assured Nigerians Wednesday in Abuja that the framework for palliatives to remedy the effects of fuel subsidy removal was being worked out, assuring that the decision was in the best interest of the country, especially in guaranteeing future prosperity.
President Tinubu, who received 18 governors who served with him, Class of 1999, at the Presidential Villa, 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 transfers.
“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 has already been reborn with the removal of fuel subsidy. It is a rebirth of the country for the largest number of people over a few 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 is difficult. In the end, we will rejoice in the prosperity of our country,’’ he told the governors, who were led by former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion.
“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 here,’’ President Tinubu stated.
The President assured the governors and Nigerians that he would work towards “unity, equity, stability, and prosperity in the country’’.
“My commitment to that democratic value is unwavering. I am overwhelmed and honoured by the number 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 had earlier met with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State to review the situation in the North East, appealed to Nigerians, especially those in 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 stabilize 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 actualization.
“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 a former Governor of Lagos State and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and George Akume, a former Governor of Benue State, while ten of their mates had passed on.
Other 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.
