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The Coaliton of Pro-Democracy Groups for a Better Nigeria has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, saying that the administration’s reforms will soon start yielding fruits.
Recall that Tinubu had on May 29, 2023, announced the removal of fuel subsidy, which inflicted more economic hardship on Nigerians.
But the coalition in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Awa Bamiji, said although the economic situation is worrisome, it was due to accumulated and inherited problems of past administrations.
“We are all feeling it together irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation, but with our collective cooperation and understanding of fuel subsidy removal, he has been able to perform above the average level.
“The president still have three years more to continue tackling the problems and the policy reforms will start yielding fruits soon. No pain, no gain!,” the statement read.
Speaking on the reintroduced national anthem, Awa explained that the old national anthem describes Nigeria better as a nation with diversity of language.
“Reversal to old national anthem was part of the 2014 National Confab resolutions. It means our leaders at the Confab and even Mr President and National Assembly know better before endorsing it.
“The old national anthem describes us better as a Nation with diversity of language, a country where love is supreme; it is deep, inspiring, educative, moral instiling and it is a welcome development at a time we are all clamouring for attitudinal change.
“We grew up with it and it affected our way of life.
“If you are constantly listening to a moral instiling jingles over the years, it will surely affect your way of life,” he added.
The coalition further stated that the increase in the minimum wage from the initial N30, 000 to N60, 000 by the Federal Government will have an impact as it would mitigate the hardship being faced by Nigerian workers as a result of fuel subsidy removal that has led to hyper-inflation.
“The reintroduction of cash transfer to 70 million Nigerians and 50 million households, CNG to replace fuel and other initiatives put in place to take care of poorest of the poor are in the right direction.
“The ongoing commissioning of various projects across the states of the federation including Abuja metro Line and approval of six months free ride on it are are commendable.
“Nigerian economy started crumbling right from the second republic. That was the reason Generals Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon took over
“Mr President is a very good administrator, grassroots politician and great philanthropist, who has impacted lives of so many people. One of those who led the June 12 struggle against the military dictators before restoration of democracy in 1999.
“Therefore, inflicting pain on innocent Nigerians wouldn’t be his style of governance,” the statement added.