President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to delivering effective governance to the Nigerian people. In a nationwide broadcast on Sunday morning in Abuja, addressing the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, Tinubu defended his contentious decision to eliminate petrol subsidies, citing it as a necessary step to rectify decades of economic mismanagement.
“These decisions I made were necessary if we must reverse the decades of economic mismanagement that didn’t serve us well,” the President declared. “I can assure you that I am focused fully on delivering the governance to the people – good governance for that matter.”
Tinubu highlighted the substantial increase in aggregate government revenues, which have more than doubled to over N9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This financial uptick, he explained, is the result of concerted efforts to block leakages, implement automation, and mobilise funding creatively without imposing additional burdens on the populace.
The President pointed to the burgeoning productivity in the non-oil sector, which is reaching unprecedented levels and capitalising on the current economic opportunities. “The economy is recovering; Please, don’t shut out its oxygen,” Tinubu appealed.
He called for patience and unity, warning against actions that could undermine the nation’s democratic progress. “Now that we have been enjoying democratic governance for 25 years, do not let the enemies of democracy use you to promote an unconstitutional agenda that will set us back on our democratic journey. Forward ever, backward never!”
President Tinubu also tasked security operatives with maintaining peace, law, and order, ensuring adherence to human rights conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory. “The safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount,” he concluded.
