By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has promised to boost spending on public utilities, including roads, education, and healthcare, to improve the standard of living of Nigerians.
This was disclosed at his first Democracy Day speech on Monday, June 12, where he pleaded with Nigerians to bear the suffering that came with the removal of the fuel subsidy that was announced on his inauguration.
He noted that his administration would reward their sacrifices with massive investments in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities that would improve their quality of life.
Mr Tinubu said he identified with the pain of Nigerians and argued that the discomfort was necessary to save the country from going under. The country paid up to $10 billion in subsidy payments in 2022 alone.
“I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements,” Mr Tinubu said today.
“It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up for collective use the much-needed resources, which had hitherto been pocketed by a few rich.
“I admit that the decision will impose an extra burden on the masses of our people. Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country.
“For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.”
Speaking on the 30th anniversary of the June 12 remembrance of the 1993 presidential elections, where the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida military administration truncated Mr Moshood Kashimawo Abiola’s win, the President said, “They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today.”
“He sacrificed his life in unyielding, patriotic defence of the ideals of democracy as symbolized in his choice, by his fellow countrymen and women, as their duly-elected President.
“There was an easier choice for him. It was to forgo the justice of his cause and opt for the path of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power. To his eternal credit and immortal glory, Abiola said no. He demonstrated the time-tested eternal truth that there are certain ideals and principles that are far more valuable than life itself,” he added.
