President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the current hardship facing the country, attributing it to past decisions and actions. Speaking during a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, the President emphasized that Nigeria can move forward through unity and cooperation,Daily Trust reports.
“Despite past political differences and the challenges of today, you still have faith in me and the plans we have for this country,” Tinubu remarked. “I sincerely appreciate your support. No one can do this better than us. I have traveled the world and observed how developed nations have advanced through collaboration, inclusiveness, and proper financial management.”
He reflected on the country’s past mistakes, saying, “Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? What did we do during times of high crude oil production? We neglected our communities, the source of our wealth. We failed to provide a decent standard of living for them. We ignored education. Just look at the dilapidated schools across the country. How can we expect children to enroll in schools if the learning environment is not conducive? It’s a matter of conscience that we must confront.”
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Tinubu’s early decisions in office, including the removal of the petrol subsidy on his first day, led to a sharp increase in fuel prices. His move to unify the exchange rate also caused the naira to plummet from N600 to over N1,600 per dollar. These actions, along with rising inflation, have caused some supporters to turn away from him, while stakeholders continue to demand solutions to the economic crisis.
Earlier in the week, former military Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar expressed concern over the worsening situation, stating that “the hardship in the land is getting out of control.” He made these remarks during a visit from the Campaign for Democracy delegation in Minna, Niger State, where he called on Tinubu to address the growing hunger and hardship. Abdulsalami lamented, “People can barely afford three square meals. The rising cost of fuel, transportation, and school fees, along with the lack of funds, is making life unbearable for everyone.”
Despite these challenges, Tinubu assured his guests that his administration remains committed to delivering real improvements in infrastructure, food and energy security, education, and the long-term stability of the Nigerian economy.
