Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her husband, President Bola Tinubu, in response to criticism surrounding the ongoing economic difficulties linked to the removal of the fuel subsidy. The subsidy removal, announced during Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, has led to a significant increase in petrol prices, jumping from N198 to N1,030 per liter.
Speaking at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, the First Lady stressed that the administration is still in its early stages and should not be blamed for the current challenges. "We are just 18 months into our administration; we are not the cause of the current situation; we are trying to fix it and secure the future," she said.
She added, "We know that subsidy has been removed, but with God on our side, in the next two years, Nigeria will be greater than this. Those who attempted removing subsidies before could not see it through. But with your prayers, in the next two years, we will build a nation for the future."
Mrs. Tinubu also assured Nigerians of President Tinubu’s integrity, expressing gratitude for their position while emphasizing their humility. “We give glory to God for our status, myself and my husband, we are not greedy but we thank God for what God has done for us. It is not common for rich people to get to this seat, but I am grateful to God. We cannot disappoint Nigeria, and with the help of God, we are getting to the promised land in no distant time,” she stated.
Her remarks were made during the inauguration of a hostel and a 2.7-kilometer road donated to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, by the Ooni of Ife, which were named in her honor. The First Lady also contributed N1 billion to support the university's continued development.
During the event, the Ooni of Ife commended Mrs. Tinubu for her positive influence and long-standing service, noting her role as a model since her days as the First Lady of Lagos State.
Addressing Nigeria's youth, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the value of hard work, stating, “There is no food for the lazy man; even God worked for six days and rested on the seventh day.” She urged Nigerians to be patient with the current administration and remain optimistic about a brighter future.
She concluded by reaffirming the government's dedication to stabilizing the economy and improving living conditions, especially following the fuel subsidy removal, saying, “We are trying all our efforts to ensure that the economy is stabilized and masses are living meaningful lives."
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