President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begged Nigerians to be patient with his administration over current economic hardship, saying he’s certain that his policies will work.
The President made the appeal in an official video released by the State House on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
The president who acknowledged the hardship Nigerians are going through as a result of fuel subsidy removal, also admitted that an “avoidable lag” between subsidy removal and his “good and helpful plans” compounded Nigerians’ pains.
He said, “Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there’s no doubt that it is tough on us 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 would work. Sadly, there was an avoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully on line.”
The president assured that the measures his government has taken would get the country out of the lingering economic crisis, urging Nigerians to have faith in his administration.
“I plead with you, please, have faith in our ability to deliver and in 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 fulfill our promise to make education more affordable to all and provide loans to higher education students who may need them. No Nigerian students will have to abandon higher education system because of 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.”
This marks the second time the President would address Nigerians amid the lingering tension in some parts of the country.
Tinubu had on Sunday appealed for suspension of nationwide against hunger and bad governance. He also called protesters to come forward for dialogue.
Protesters, largely youths, have been marching across several states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for an end to “bad governance” and economic hardship.
Tear gas and gunshots were fired to disperse protesters and journalists in Abuja with several arrests made by security operatives on Saturday.
The protest has also been marred by reported lootings by hoodlums in Kano, Kaduna and other northern states, with the police going after the culprits to recover some items.
However, the President, who said his administration was ready to listen to and address the concerns of the protesters, claimed he has heard their calls “loud and clear.”
Tinubu also commiserated with the families of Nigerians who died during clashes with security forces and those who lost property to lootings recorded in various states.
“I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity,” he declared.
He said the country required all hands on deck regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides to work together in reshaping its common destiny.
To the protesters, he said, “I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.
“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity.
“Let nobody misinform and mis-educate you about your country or tell you that your government does not care about you.”
However, despite the appeal the protest continued as many of the organisers said the president failed to address their demands.