Abuja, Nigeria
Contrary to the demands of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protesters, President Bola Tinubu has firmly ruled out the return of the fuel subsidy. In a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians on Sunday morning, President Tinubu explained that the decision to remove the subsidy, although painful, was essential for the nation’s economic health.
The President stated, “The removal of the fuel subsidy was necessary because it had constituted a noose around the economic jugular of our Nation and impeded our economic development and progress.”
Addressing the protesters, President Tinubu assured that law enforcement agencies would continue to protect the lives and properties of innocent citizens responsibly. He emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles, stating, “Our democracy progresses when the constitutional rights of every Nigerian are respected and protected.”
President Tinubu outlined his vision for Nigeria, describing it as a nation where peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihoods are accessible through democratic good governance that is open, transparent, and accountable. “My vision for our country is one of a just and prosperous nation where each person may enjoy the peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihood that only democratic good governance can provide,” he said.
Reflecting on the economic challenges, President Tinubu highlighted the need for substantial reforms. “For decades, our economy has remained anaemic and taken a dip because of many misalignments that have stunted our growth. Just over a year ago, our dear country, Nigeria, reached a point where we couldn’t afford to continue the use of temporary solutions to solve long-term problems for the sake of now and our unborn generations,” he explained.
He reiterated the necessity of his decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems to foster economic development and progress. “I therefore took the painful yet necessary decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems which had constituted a noose around the economic jugular of our Nation and impeded our economic development and progress,” President Tinubu stated.
The President’s address underscores the government’s commitment to implementing tough but essential economic policies while ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights amid ongoing protests.
