President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday committed to introducing measures aimed at alleviating the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the Nigerian population.
Earlier in the day, the President sought the approval of the National Assembly for a sum of N500 billion to be allocated towards palliative measures, intended to mitigate the consequences of the subsidy removal within the country.
According to a statement released by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake, President Bola Tinubu expressed this assurance during a meeting with the class of 1999 Governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu said: “I understand that our people are suffering yet there can be no childbirth without pain. The joy of childbirth is the relief that comes after the pain. Nigeria is reborn already with fuel subsidy removal. It is a rebirth of the country for the largest number over a few smugglers.
“Please tell the people to be a little patient.
“The palliative is coming. I don’t want cash transfers to fall into the wrong hands. I know it pinches and it is difficult. In the end, we will rejoice in the prosperity of our country.
“We served as governors and sat in this Council Chamber. All I wanted was democracy and the salvation of the country. I never thought I was going to be here as President, but God Almighty has brought me.”
The ex-governors on the trip to the seat of power Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia), James Ibori (Delta), Donald Duke (Cross River), Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti) and Lucky Igbinedion(Edo).
Others were Joshua Dariye (Plateau), Olusegun Osoba (Ogun), Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu), Obong Victor Attah (Cross River), Ibrahim Saminu Turaki (Jigawa); Adamu Muazu (Bauchi), Bisi Akande (Osun); Ahmad Yerima (Zamfara); Jolly Nyame (Taraba) and Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto).
They expressed their support for the president over some of the policies he initiated since assuming office on May 29.