Subsidy removal: Tinubu promises to roll out ‘palliatives’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said palliatives measures are being worked out to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

President Tinubu while receiving the Class of 1999 governors in Abuja assured that the decision was in the best interest of the country, especially in guaranteeing future prosperity.

The President appealed for more patience from Nigerians, saying his government would increase effort, speed up the process, and ensure a full-proof social security structure that will not be compromised, especially in cash transfers.

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Tinubu, who maintained that he understood that the people are suffering, stated that there can be no childbirth without pain. 

He added that the joy of childbirth is the relief that comes after the pain, adding that Nigeria is reborn with fuel subsidy removal. 

“It is a rebirth of the country for the largest number of smugglers — tell the people to be a little patient,” he said. 

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“The palliative is coming. I don’t want cash transfers 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,’’ 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.”

The President assured the governors and Nigerians that he will work towards “unity, equity, stability, and prosperity of the country’’.  

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“My commitment to that democratic value is unwavering. I am overwhelmed and honored by the numbers 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, ad 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 Plateau State, to sheath their swords and use dialogue in resolving conflicts, adding that issues of borders were man-made, not created by God.

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“We will do everything possible to stabilize the country,’’ he added.

Speaking, 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.

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He affirmed that they were 19 at the meeting, including President Tinubu, who was former Governor of Lagos State and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, 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.