By Dipo Olowookere
Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to remain steadfast as the present administration leads the country into the Promised Land.
Mr Tinubu, in his Sallah message to Nigerians, admitted that citizens of the country deserved a better Nigeria and economy, but expressed optimism that “we shall [soon] overcome” the present hardship.
“During this Season of Eid-el-Kabir, I wish to felicitate with the Muslim brotherhood. We must give thanks to almighty Allah for keeping us alive to celebrate this Eid.
“This spirit of sacrifice and unselfish giving that defines this celebration must guide us all in the way we relate to others and in our quest for a better society. Through sacrifice and a heart and hand of charity we can lift up many who will in turn become better tools for the socio-economic rejuvenation we so desire,” Mr Tinubu said in a statement issued by his media office.
He further said, “We must see our current economic situation as a passing phase. We shall overcome. Our faith summons us to have faith but also to work so that things can get better.”
“This economic predicament is not of our making or choosing. It came not by invitation. The economic downturn represents a tough challenge not lightly overcome. No one wished that such an impediment would confront us. Now, we must rise to the occasion. Our economic situation presents an opportunity for us to do something we have avoided too long.
“The present circumstance demands that we engage in a discourse concerning the type of ‘post-oil era’ economy we truly want and what are the ideological underpinnings and policy thrusts needed to erect this new architecture.
“This architecture must be inward looking and home-grown starting with the boosting of the agricultural economy leading to a diversification we have all longed for.
“As the government re-tools and re-fines different policies, we as citizens must locate our role and responsibility and join hands with this government until the clouds of recession recede.
“A new horizon beckons for Nigeria sooner rather than later as we pass through a necessary phase often experienced in the life of virtually all nations.
“Nigerians deserve a better country, more empowerment, job opportunities and an overall strong economy. The current government is committed to achieving this,” the former Lagos State Governor said in the statement.
Modupe Gbadeyanka