President Bola Tinubu says he identified with the pains of Nigerians arising from the recent removal of subsidy by his administration, explaining that the temporal discomfort was necessary to save the country from going under.
He equally hailed the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola who he described as “symbol of democracy.”
The president said he was aware of the difficulties and hardship being faced by Nigerians, promising that his administration will “reward” their sacrifices with “massive investment” in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve quality of life.
“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.
“I admit that the decision will impose 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.”
Tinubu had in his inaugural speech on May 29, stated that subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources, hence, announced its removal.

Following Tinubu’s announcement, the increase in petrol pump price skyrocketed from N195 to N537 nationwide, alongside an ancillary price increase in transportation and commodities.




