Democracy day: I feel your pain, Tinubu tells Nigerians

By Adeboye Ado 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has identified with Nigerians over the recent hike in fuel price, saying he understands the bitter plight of the citizenry over the soared price of petroleum. 

Tinubu stated this on Monday while addressing Nigerians on Democracy day. 

The President had in his May 29 inauguration address declared that subsidy was no more. Shortly after his declaration, queues surfaced at petrol stations across the country. 

In his Democracy Day speech, Tinubu admitted that the decision would impose extra burden on the people and assured Nigerians that their sacrifice won't go in vain. 

He also adjudged the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election to be free and fair, while he described the supposed winner, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, as a symbol of democracy. 

“The democracy that will yield right dividends to the people who are the shareholders means more than just freedom of choice and right to get people into elective offices. It means social and economic justice for our people. 

“To the winner of June 12, democracy offers the best chance to fight and eliminate poverty. Thirty years ago, he christened his campaign manifesto, 'Farewell to Poverty' because he was convinced that there is nothing divine about poverty. 

“It is a man-made problem that can be eliminated with clearly thought out social and economic policies.

“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 being pocketed by a few rich. 

“I admit that the decision will impose extra burden on the masses of our people. 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.