As poor Nigerians battle against hardship occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy, President Bola Tinubu, on Monday urged the citizenry to sacrifice “a little more” for the survival of the country.
In a nationwide broadcast to commemorate the 2023 Democracy Day, the president admitted that the removal of subsidy on the product imposed “extra burden on the masses of our people” and assured that would make massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities to lessen the pains.
He said the aim of the removal was also meant to free up the country’s resources.
“…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,” he said.
