President Bola Tinubu, last night, asked Nigerians to believe in his government, saying the administration, which is “just 18-month” old, is on the right path and marks “a glorious dawn” for Nigeria.
Featuring in the maiden edition of his Presidential Media Chat, held in Lagos, Tinubu expressed confidence in his security architecture, saying he has no reason to sack or probe his security chiefs.
Declaring that he had no regrets removing fuel subsidy, he insisted that his controversial tax reforms had come to stay, in spite of opposition from some quarters. Though, he hinted that the government might be open to negotiation on the aspect of the tax reforms dealing with Value Added Tax (VAT).
He said his government’s reforms, though coming with unintended painful consequences, were not intended to inflict pain on Nigerians, but to lead the country to the glorious future that the people crave.
The president blamed palliative organisers for the recent stampedes that caused several deaths in different parts of the country.
Despite spiraling inflation, Tinubu said he did not believe in price controls. He said the market should be supplied, while allowing the forces of demand and supply determine prices.
The president said his administration had met its financial obligations without resorting to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for funding.
Tinubu defended his government’s huge appetite for loans, saying borrowing for infrastructure is not a crime.
He passed a vote of confidence on his cabinet, and dismissed suggestion to trim the cabinet size.
Speaking to Nigerians as part of his parting shots at the end of the media chat, Tinubu said, “I seek your understanding. I understand the trouble you’ve been through: the economic problems. It is just 18-month that I’ve taken the reign. We’ll maintain focus. Let’s believe in ourselves and in our country. Tomorrow will bring a glorious dawn.”
Tinubu assured Nigerians that 2025 would usher in economic prosperity and growth, emphasising that he understands the plight of the people.
He said, “2025 is a very promising year. Let me thank Nigerians for having confidence in me to be the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I’m very proud of that.
“I don’t want you to think that I will take it for granted at any given time. It is all about service. I will do it with all my heart. I seek your cooperation all the time.”
