President Bola Tinubu assured Nigerians on Wednesday in Abuja that the government was working on a framework for palliatives to address the consequences of fuel subsidy removal. He emphasized that the decision to phase out the subsidy was made in the country’s best interest and to secure future prosperity.
During a courtesy visit by members of the Class of 1999 Governors at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu, who is a member of the class alongside the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their service during the birth of the Fourth Republic. He urged Nigerians to exercise patience, assuring them that the government would expedite efforts to mitigate the hardships caused by the subsidy removal.
Tinubu stated, “I understand that our people are suffering, yet there can be no childbirth without pain. The joy of childbirth is the baby. Relief comes after the pain; Nigeria is being reborn, it is a rebirth of the country for the largest number, over a few smugglers. Please tell the people to be a little patient, the palliative is coming. I am doing the arithmetic; I don’t want the cash transfer to fall into the wrong hands. I know it pinches and it is difficult. In the end, we will rejoice in the prosperity of our country.”
Addressing the governors, Tinubu emphasized the significance of national unity and citizen cooperation in building a stronger country. He emphasized that Nigerians themselves must take responsibility for developing their nation, stating, “We must put the country in the right direction. No European, no Bretton Woods Institution will do it for us.”
The President expressed his commitment to unity, equity, stability, and prosperity in Nigeria, appreciating the governors’ visit to congratulate him on his election victory, visionary economic decisions, and appointment as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government.
Tinubu assured the governors and Nigerians that his administration would prioritize fixing the electricity sector and ensure stable power generation and supply by leveraging gas resources and exploring all opportunities.
Regarding security, the President appealed to Nigerians, particularly those in Plateau State, to resolve conflicts through dialogue, emphasizing that borders were man-made issues and not created by God. He had earlier met with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno to review the situation in the North-East.
The former governors pledged their support for Tinubu’s vision for a greater Nigeria, expressing their commitment to providing the necessary social structure for its actualization. They praised his leadership and offered their experience and support, stating, “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,” as affirmed by Chief Lucky Igbinedion, the Chairman of the Class of 1999 Governors.
Among the governors present at the meeting were Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti), Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia), Sen. Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Adamu Muazu (Bauchi), Donald Duke (Cross River), James Ibori (Delta), Obong Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom), Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu State), Saminu Turaki (Jigawa), and Sen. Adamu Aleiro (Kebbi). The meeting also included Olusegun Osoba (Ogun), Adebisi Akande (Osun), Sen. Joshua Dariye (Plateau), Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto State), Ahmad Yarima (Zamfara), and Rev. Jolly Nyame (Taraba).
