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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
As Nigerians continue to grapple with the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, President Bola Tinubu has said his administration will reward their sacrifices with massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve quality of life.
The president stated this in his Democracy Day address on Monday.
Tinubu said he feels the pain of Nigerians, adding that the temporal discomfort was necessary to save the country from collapsing.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu had in his inaugural address on May 29, stated that subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources, therefore, it had to go.
Following the announcement, the pump price of petrol increased from N195 to about N500 nationwide.
Speaking on the aftermath of the move, the president said: “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. 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,” Tinubu added.