A group of former governors from Nigeria’s 1999 era has appealed to the citizens to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he leads the country. Speaking after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the former governors expressed their confidence in President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria.
Lucky Igbinedion, the leader of the forum and former governor of Edo State emphasized their role as the foundation on which the Fourth Republic has thrived. He stated, “We are a solid foundation on which this 4th Republic has been thriving. We came to congratulate the President and also to thank him for making one of us the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. We came to assure him that he has our full support and prayers for the bold steps he has so far taken and also let him know that this is beyond party politics, we are now talking about the project Nigeria.”
Igbinedion further added that all hands must be on deck to support and encourage the President in his efforts to build a better nation. They also took the opportunity to congratulate him on assuming the role of Chairman of ECOWAS.
In addressing the current challenges faced by Nigerians due to the removal of subsidies on petrol, Igbinedion appealed for patience. He informed the public that the President had assured them that the government would soon roll out palliatives to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal.
According to Igbinedion, the President shared his vision of a better Nigeria and likened the current situation to childbirth, where pain is endured for the joy of bringing forth a child. He urged Nigerians to wait patiently and trust that the President would implement measures that would bring smiles to everyone in the country.
The discussion with the President also touched on the security situation in the country, addressing unemployment, and the need for reliable electricity generation. The former governors expressed their concerns and shared their perspectives on these critical issues while reiterating their support for President Tinubu and emphasising the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving a prosperous and vibrant Nigeria.
Tinubu’s Response to the Visit by the Former Governors
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the hardship faced by Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidies but assures them that the savings will ultimately benefit the entire nation.
During a meeting with the former governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude for their support regarding the subsidy removal. He acknowledged the suffering experienced by the people and recognised the pain caused by the decision. However, he emphasised that childbirth comes with pain, and the joy that follows is the relief from that pain. He described the situation as a rebirth for Nigeria and assured the citizens that the savings from the subsidy removal would benefit a larger portion of the population, rather than a few individuals engaged in smuggling and exploitation. He expressed his appreciation for the support received.
“On the subsidy removal thank you for the support. And I understand people are suffering. Yet, there can be no childbirth without pain.”
“The joy of childbirth is the big relief of the pain. Nigeria is reborn. It is a rebirth of our country. We will face our problem but will bring the savings to benefit the largest number of people in the country and not a few smugglers and exploiters. Thank you for your support.”
President Tinubu also appealed to the citizens for patience and trust, assuring them that palliatives would be delivered to mitigate the harsh effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
