President Bola Tinubu has justified the elimination of fuel subsidies by claiming that the country cannot continue to feed smugglers and play Santa Claus to neighboring countries.
According to a statement by State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, he said this at an interactive session with the Royal Fathers on Friday at the Aso Villa under the auspices of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN).
The President informed them of the decision to eliminate fuel subsidies, strengthen security, generate jobs, and protect the environment, as well as the upcoming election of the 10th National Assembly’s major officials.
‘‘I am grateful that you are paying attention to what I have been doing. You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas?
‘‘The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have the potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing,’’ he said.
Several speakers at the gathering indicated support for the elimination of subsidies, with the President appealing to traditional leaders to convince Nigerians to have faith and that petrol pump prices will eventually fall.
While addressing concerns about the need for essential infrastructure in various parts of the country, President Tinubu stated that his administration would remove any impediment to the advancement of the Nigerian people.
‘‘The lamentations about the capital projects, where is the money going to come from if we don’t protect our resources and our boundaries?
‘‘You cannot have development without capital projects,’’ he added.
President Tinubu stated that he is willing to work with any elected member of the National Assembly, emphasizing that the Nigeria project is of the utmost significance to him.
”Nigeria has to exist. Nigeria must grow. Nigeria must progress,” he stated.
On security, the President underlined to Nigerians his vow to prioritize the sector until every Nigerian “goes to sleep with their two eyes closed.”
He underlined the importance of the country’s unity and cohesiveness, stating that every section of the country would receive its due.
”We will address youth unemployment. Only when the country is prosperous will we be able to create jobs for our kids,” the President stated.
