On Monday, President Bola Tinubu praised Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the presidential election held on June 12, 1993. Despite the suspicious circumstances surrounding Abiola’s death after his election was annulled by the late Gen Sani Abacha, Tinubu regarded him as a symbol of democracy. Tinubu also acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy, but assured them that his administration would compensate for their sacrifices by making significant investments in transportation infrastructure, education, reliable power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities. These improvements would enhance the quality of life for Nigerians. The President empathized with the pain experienced by Nigerians and argued that enduring temporary discomfort was necessary to prevent the country from collapsing.
“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,” Tinubu said in his maiden Democracy Day address to Nigerians as President.
During his inauguration speech on May 29, the President expressed that due to the depletion of resources, the escalating costs of subsidies can no longer be justified, necessitating its removal.
Waffi TV reported that, following Tinubu’s announcement, the country witnessed a nationwide increase in petrol pump prices, soaring from N195 to N537, accompanied by a corresponding rise in ancillary costs.
Addressing the aftermath of the move, he said, “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.”
Regarding the principle of the rule of law, the President affirmed that his administration would not tolerate contradictory and unlawful directives that undermine the democratic system of Nigeria.
Furthermore, he characterized the bill, which he officially enacted into law on June 8, aimed at aligning the retirement age for judicial officers, as one of several policy reforms that will be implemented in the future.
“For Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of this day, in whose memory June 12 became a national holiday, democracy is eternal.
“It is about the rule of law and vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions. It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.
