On Monday, President Bola Tinubu praised Chief MKO Abiola, the victor of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and he promise to eradicate fuel subsidy
He called the late businessman, whose election had been thrown out by the late Gen. Sani Abacha, and who passed away under mysterious circumstances, the emblem of democracy.
While acknowledging the hardships that Nigerians are currently experiencing as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies, Tinubu promised that his administration would “reward” their sacrifices with “massive investment” in infrastructure for transportation, education, reliable power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities that will enhance their standard of living.
The President, who claimed to understand the suffering of Nigerians, maintained that the temporary hardship was required to prevent the nation from imploding.
“I recognize your suffering. In his first address to Nigerians on Democracy Day as President, Tinubu said, “This is one choice we must face to preserve our country from falling under and wrest our wealth away from the control of a few disloyal people.
The President declared that, in the context of depleting resources, subsidies can no longer be justified by its ever-increasing expenses in his inauguration address on May 29. Thus, it had to be removed.
According to The report, Tinubu’s declaration resulted in a statewide hike in the price of gasoline from N195 to N537 as well as an increase in ancillary prices.
In response to the move’s effects, he stated, “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 acknowledge that the choice will place an additional strain on the majority of our people. I have painfully requested that you, my fellow citizens, make a little bit more of a sacrifice for the future of our nation.
“I promise that your sacrifice won’t be in vain since you put your faith and confidence in us.
The government that I run will pay you back by making significant investments in public utilities that will raise people’s quality of life, such as infrastructure for transportation, schools, regular electricity supplies, and healthcare.
Speaking of upholding the law, the President said that his government would not put up with contradictory or unlawful instructions that would harm Nigeria’s democracy.
He said that the legislation he passed on June 8 to standardize the retirement age for judges was just one of many future policy changes.
“Democracy is immortal for Chief MKO Abiola, the figurehead of this day, whose memory June 12 became a national holiday.
“It is about the rule of law and a strong court that can be relied upon to uphold institutions and administer justice.
It is vital to clarify right now that any further use of unneeded, unlawful directives to limit or undermine democracy will not be permitted.
determining retirement age
“The recent standardisation of judicial officer retirement age is intended to promote the rule of law, which is a crucial tenet of democracy. Reform barely got underway, he said.
The ongoing legal challenges to the results, according to President Tinubu, are a real tribute to Nigeria’s democratic path. He said that this is the “beauty of democracy.”
“This year, we had the seventh in a series of elections that have since 1999 grown into holy rites of our democratic practice, he remarked.
“The fact that the election was hotly contested is strong proof that democracy is thriving in our nation. It is only normal for people who prevailed in the different elections to feel joy and fulfillment, while those who lost feel dissatisfied and disappointed.
But the beauty of democracy is that those who succeed today could fail tomorrow, and those who fall short will have a chance to run for office and succeed in the subsequent round of voting.
“Those who are unable to withstand and accept the pain of losing in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to succeed.
Democracy is still the finest form of governance ever created, according to Tinubu. “Above all, those who disagree with the results of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court,” he said.
The President honored the Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, and Maj-Gen Shehu Yar’Adua who were silenced by the military dictatorship, recalling the 1993 struggles that helped bring in a democratic administration in 1999, stating, “They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today.”
The President commends Abiola
“We are all too aware of Chief MKO Abiola’s sacrifice and suffering as the keeper of the holy mandate that was so ruthlessly revoked.
“He gave his life in steadfast, patriotic defense of the democratic values exemplified by his election as their duly-elected President by his fellow citizens.
“He could have made a simpler decision. In order to submit to the tyranny of power, he had to abandon the righteousness of his cause and choose the easier route. Abiola said “no,” much to his eternal honor and unfading splendor. He proved the age-old, timeless fact that some beliefs and principles are far more precious than life itself, the President added.
He thus pleaded with Nigerians not to take the freedom they currently enjoy for granted since it was won after great effort.
The key message is that we must always remember not to take our democracy for granted. It must always be cautiously guarded and preserved by us like a priceless gem.
For only after losing democracy can a people properly understand the freedoms and privileges it grants them.
He vowed that his administration will rigorously carry out every provision of the “Renewed Hope” program, which was the foundation of its election covenant with the people.
“We will adhere to the truth. devoted to justice. and devoted to doing justice.
“We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people,” said the President.