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Subsidy Removal: ‘I Feel Your Pain, Your Sacrifice Won’t Be In Vain’, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2023

165 Views

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.

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President Tinubu Leaves for 20th summit of the G20 Leaders

The G20 Summit, scheduled from Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, will bring together leaders from the world’s top 20 economies, including representatives of the European Union, African Union, and global financial institutions.

Published

6 hours ago

November 18, 2025

OCHEFA

14 Views

“President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for a two-nation visit to Johannesburg, South Africa and Luanda, Angola.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“President Tinubu’s first stop is Johannesburg, where he will attend the 20th summit of the G20 Leaders. After the summit, he will proceed to Angola for the AU-EU summit,” it stated.

The statement added that President Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African leader and current G20 President, invited Tinubu to participate in this year’s edition, while President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil extended a similar invitation during his tenure in 2024.

The theme of the summit, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” will guide discussions across three plenary sessions.

“Inclusive and Sustainable Growth; Leaving No One Behind: Building our economies, the role of trade, Financing for development and the Debt burden.“A Resilient World: the G20’s Contribution to Disaster Risk Reduction; Climate Change; Just Energy Transitions; Food Systems.“A fair and Just Future for All: Critical Minerals; Decent Work; Artificial Intelligence,” the statement noted.

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SGF Akume’s Tributes to Dan Agbese

Published

7 hours ago

November 18, 2025

OCHEFA

31 Views

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. Dr. George Akume has expressed sadness over the demise of veteran journalist, Mr. Dan Agbese.

In a statement on Tuesday by Terrence Kuanum Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Akume lamented that Agbese left the stage at a critical time, noting that his fatherly role and vast experience would be missed.

Senator Akume said that, as a member of the pioneer trailblazers in the media industry who stood firm in defiance to iron-fist grip of military rule, championing the pathway for the restoration of democracy, his passing has created a huge vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

“His death was a monumental national loss. Dan Agbese was a fine gentleman to the core.

He was a man of strong conviction with unimpeachable character, and unwavering determination to achieve great goals against all odds. His perchance for justice, equity and fairness set him apart from the rest.” Sen. Akume stated.

The SGF added that, late Agbese’s sharp prose and decades-long contribution to journalism, that culminated into shaping modern investigative reporting and commentary on the socio-political landscape of Nigeria would be greatly missed by all.”

” Dan Agbese was a doyen of journalism and merchant of biting satire. He was such a versatile, bold and confident writer whose quill dripped brutal frankness.

A mentor and father that professionally refined his mentees and turned them into masters of the pen craft,” he added.

Senator George Akume admonishes the Agbese family, his friends and colleagues in the media industry to take solace in the exemplary and impactful lifestyle that he lived, and pray God for a repose of his soul.

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JUST IN: Wike, Govs Makinde, Bala Clash at PDP Secretariat (Images / Video)

Published

11 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Charles Flames

16 Views

….. As PDP Leaders Accuse Police of Not Showing Neutrality in Crisis

There was a showdown at the PDP National Secretariat on Tuesday as governors of Bauchi and Oyo states have clashed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike with both parties attempting to take over the National secretariat of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the Wuse Zone 5 District of Abuja.

It was discovered that security operatives loyal to the FCT Minister and Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed embarked in a free for all or who would take possession of the PDP National Secretariat with a rainfall of teargas pumped around the vicinity by both parties.

While Governor Seyo stormed the venue with the newly elected National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, Nyesom Wike stayed put with Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary of the party who insists his tenure is still in place till December 8, 2025.

Party leaders are now expressing worry over the development accusing the Police of not being neutral in the leadership crisis facing the Peoples Democratic Party.

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