Hardship protests: Tinubu talks to Nigerians again, calls for patience
Maureen Aguta
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to be patient with his administration, saying the country is transitioning from darkness to dawn.
In an official video released by the State House today (Wednesday), Tinubu acknowledged the ongoing hardships orchestrated by the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, reports The PUNCH.
He noted that Nigerians’ pain was compounded by what he described as an “avoidable lag” between the subsidy removal and his helpful plans for the country.
He said, “Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there’s no doubt that it is tough, but I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work. Sadly, there was an avoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully online.
“I plead with you, please have faith in our ability to deliver and our concern for your well-being. We will get out of this turbulence, and due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.
“For example, we shall fulfil our promise to make education more affordable to all and provide loans to higher education students who may need them. No Nigerian student will have to abandon higher education due to lack of money.
“Our commitment is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of our people. On principle, we shall never falter. I assure you, my fellow countrymen and women, that we are exiting the darkness to enter a new and glorious dawn. Now, I must get back to work in order to make this vision come true.”
The president assured that the measures his government has taken would get the country out of the lingering economic crisis.
This address marked the second time Tinubu has addressed Nigerians since the beginning of the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests.
The protests turned violent in some states, including Kano, Abuja, and Kaduna, where demonstrators believed to be infiltrators were seen waving Russian flags and calling for a military takeover.