Sacrifice A Little More For The Survival Of The Country, Tinubu Calls

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to sacrifice a little more for the survival of the country. 

He stated this, Monday during his 2023 Democracy Day speech and sympathised with Nigerians over the pains of the recent subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit known as petrol. 

According to the President, he seek to prevent Nigeria from imploding and freeing the nation’s resources from the control of a few unpatriotic forces, which was the reason he decided to end gasoline subsidies. 

Addressing Nigerians on Monday, Tinubu said, “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 (MKO Abiola) 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 been pocketed by a few rich.

“I admit that the decision will impose an 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.

“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.”

Every year on June 12, Democracy Day is observed in honour of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the victor of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, as well as other heroes of democracy.