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Subsidy Removal: ‘I Feel Your Pain, Your Sacrifice Won’t Be In Vain’, Tinubu Tells Nigerians
President Bola Tinubu on Monday sympathised with Nigerians over the pains of the recent subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit known as petrol.
In his 2023 Democracy Day speech on June 12, the President said his decision to remove fuel subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023 is to save Nigeria country from going under and take the country’s resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements.
He asked Nigerians to sacrifice a little more for the survival of the country.
Democracy Day is celebrated yearly on June 12 in honour of the winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other heroes of democracy.
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 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.”
From N184/Litre To Over N500
The President during his inaugural speech on May 29 at the Eagle Square in Abuja had announced the removal of subsidy payment on petrol. The President said that the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari did not make provisions for subsidy in the 2023 budget beyond June.
Many Nigerians had expected that the new price regime would come into effect by July 1 but almost immediately after the presidential pronouncement, queues resurfaced at filling stations across the country even as retail outlets hoard the product and increase prices.
Already, a litre of petrol is being sold at over N500 across the country following the price adjustment by the Nigerian National Petrol Company (NNPC) Limited and the presidential pronouncement on subsidy removal.
Fuel queues have since surged for the vital commodity, compounding the traffic situation in parts of the country, even as transportation costs skyrocket to more than 100% increment.
The Organised Labour had resolved to embark on a nationwide strike beginning Wednesday but was restrained by a court order of Monday, June 5, 2023. The Organised Labour subsequently shelved its planned strike after a meeting with the Federal Government last week.
News
BREAKING: Nigerian Air Force fighter jet crashes in Niger State (Video)
A Nigerian Air Force fighter jet has crashed in Niger State.
The aircraft went down near Karabonde village in Borgu Local Government Area this afternoon.
Initial reports from military sources confirm that both pilots ejected safely and survived the crash with no fatalities reported.
Authorities have ruled out hostile action, stating that the incident was caused by a technical/mechanical fault.
Emergency response teams have been dispatched to the crash site. Further details are awaited.
Watch vvideo below:
News
Emeka Monye of ARISE NEWS Launches N1m Award for Anambra’s Top WAEC Student Annually
Renowned journalist and media strategist, Emeka Monye, has launched an annual award of N1 million for the best-performing student in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Anambra State.
The award, which is aimed at promoting academic excellence, is open to all Anambra students – both public and private schools – who sat for the WAEC examination.
Monye, who is the Anambra State Correspondent for ARISE TV, said the initiative is part of his efforts to give back to the society and encourage students to strive for excellence.
According to Monye, the award is a way of recognizing and rewarding outstanding academic achievement, and he hopes that it will inspire other students to work hard and emulate the winner’s success.
The award winner will be selected based on their performance in the WAEC examination, and the announcement is expected to be made soon.
Monye, who has been a driving force in media innovation, has instituted this award to motivate students to aim high and achieve their goals.
He believes that education is key to personal and societal development, and this initiative is his way of contributing to the growth and development of Anambra State.
The launch of this award has been welcomed by the state COMMSIONER for education, Prof. NGOZI Chuma-Udeh who described the initiative as a great motivator for students to excel academically. Prof. Chuma-Udeh, while receiving the founder and initiator of the EMEKA MONYE SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE, Emeka Monye in her office, asked other well-meaning individuals to emulate the good gesture of the journalist whose charity work will make impact in the education sector.
The award, which commences in 2026 academic session and runs through to 2035, is expected to be presented annually in the sum of one hundred thousand naira for the next ten years, and Monye has called on other stakeholders to join him in promoting education and academic excellence in the state in particular and the country as a whole.
News
Truck Drivers Block Obajana-Kabba Highway, Causing Massive Gridlock in Kogi State
Motorists were stranded on the Obajana-Kabba Highway in Kogi State following a roadblock staged by truck drivers, bringing traffic to a complete halt on the busy federal route.

The blockade has triggered severe congestion, leaving thousands of vehicles unable to proceed in either direction and forcing travelers to seek alternative paths.

The protest reportedly began after a dispute between the truck drivers and security operatives along the road. While full details of the incident are yet to be confirmed, the drivers parked their articulated vehicles across the highway in protest, effectively shutting down the corridor.

The disruption comes at a particularly busy time, with many residents traveling to attend funerals, weddings, and political functions across Kabba and neighboring communities.
Frustrated motorists have resorted to diverting through Okene, resulting in heavy traffic buildup on the alternative route and extended travel delays across the region.

As at press time, authorities are yet to intervene or issue an official statement on efforts to clear the highway and restore free flow of traffic.
Commuters are urged to avoid the Obajana-Kabba route until the situation is resolved.
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