Vice President Kashim Shettima has asked Nigerians to remain patient, telling them that President Bola Tinubu understands their fears and anxiety.
Shetima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the 2024 African Caucus Conference, said this in reaction to the nationwide hunger protest.
Shettima also said that the president is aware of the oil subsidy cabal’s operations, but he is determined to continue despite the country’s current troubles.
At the event themed “Facilitating Intra-African Trade: Catalyst for Sustainable Economic Growth in Africa,” held on Friday in Abuja, Shettima, begged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu in the wake of the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of the foreign exchange market, and other economic reforms.
Shettima said, “We are gathered here against the backdrop of what happened a couple of weeks ago in Kenya. There is understandable apprehension in the country, but here we are; no matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of dawn. Surely the weather might be cloudy, but it won’t rain forever.
“The president made the painful decisions. Reforms are imperative, and we know the consequences of unveiling a masquerade. We are aware of the oil subsidy cabal, but we are determined to push on; efforts would be made with human kindness.
“Please have patience; our hearts go out towards our continent as it goes through the cost of living hardship, but we shall overcome.”
On Thursday, Nigerians marched to the streets to protest rising inflation, food prices, and economic hardship, which are largely the result of the current administration’s policies and changes.
Protesters calling for #EndBadGovernance seek a drop in petrol pump prices to N200 per litre, an end to insecurity, the closing of IDP camps, and election changes, among other things.
However, the peaceful gathering has turned violent in certain locations, resulting in violent confrontations between police and protesters.
Speaking further, the former Borno governor urged African countries to work together to address common economic issues and seize opportunities.
He mentioned that although Africa is grappling with “numerous challenges across economic, humanitarian, and social spheres,” countries on the continent must take necessary measures to translate opportunities in natural resources and human capital into growth, innovation, and collaboration.
Shettima added, “As a government, we have initiated bold economic reforms aimed at steering our economy away from the downturns caused by multiple shocks in the global economy towards a path of recovery and resilience through significant economic transformation.”
