President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday made a passionate appeal to Nigerians urging them to bear more with him over the challenges of hardship and hunger plaguing the country.
The president’s sympathy was contained in a new video released by the Presidential Villa following widespread dissatisfaction that trailed Sunday’s broadcast that critics said failed to address the issues raised in the demands of protesters.
Recall that since August 1, Nigerians have taken to the streets to protest against the extreme hunger and economic immiseration in the country. In his Sunday broadcast, President Tinubu called for the suspension of the protests, assuring the public that the government is working diligently to address the nation’s challenges. However, the protests have continued, with demonstrators demanding the reinstatement of petrol subsidies and a reduction in food prices.
In a new video released by the State House on August 7, 2024, President Tinubu acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians, describing the current transition as more challenging than anticipated. He attributed the difficulties to a delay between the removal of the subsidy and the implementation of his administration’s plans.
Tinubu expressed confidence that his policies would eventually yield positive results. He urged Nigerians to look beyond the current struggles and focus on the larger picture.
“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 will work. Sadly, there was an avoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully online,” Tinubu said.
“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 student will have to abandon higher education because of a 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.”
Watch the video below:
