Democracy day: Your sacrifice shall not be in vain, Tinubu assures Nigerians
2 min read
Mr Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his maiden broadcast to the nation on Monday, assured Nigerians that the sacrifices they are going through because of the removal of petroleum subsidy will not be in vain, promising that his administration will engage in massive infrastructure to improve the quality of lives.
Speaking on the occasion of Democracy Day declared in honour of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the president stated that he feels the pains of citizens but explained the necessity to end fuel subsidy payments as he said they were enjoyed only by a few rich people.
He said the stoppage will now free up needed resources for massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities.
While noting the idea of democracy espoused by Abiola, which promotes the welfare of the people over personal interests of the ruling class, Tinubu stated: “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.”
