Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to remain patient, assuring them that President Bola Tinubu is fully aware of their concerns and anxieties.
Shettima revealed that the president is conscious of the activities of the oil subsidy cabal but remains committed to pressing forward with reforms despite the current challenges facing the country.
The vice president’s appeal came in response to the nationwide hunger protests and the need for patience with the administration’s efforts to address hardships stemming from the removal of the fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange market, and other economic reforms.
Speaking at the African Caucus meeting 2024 in Abuja on Friday, where he represented the president, Shettima stated, “We are gathered here against the backdrop of what happened a couple of weeks ago in Kenya.
There is understandable apprehension in the country, but here we are; no matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of dawn. Surely, the weather might be cloudy, but it won’t rain forever.”
He continued, “The president made the painful decisions. Reforms are imperative, and we know the consequences of unveiling a masquerade. We are aware of the oil subsidy cabal, but we are determined to push on; efforts will be made with human kindness. Please be patient; our hearts go out to our continent as it endures the cost-of-living hardship, but we shall overcome.”
On Thursday, Nigerians took to the streets to protest soaring inflation, food prices, and economic hardship, largely attributed to the policies and reforms of the current administration. The protesters, under the banner of #EndBadGovernance, are demanding a reduction in the petrol pump price to N200 per litre, an end to insecurity, the closure of IDP camps, and electoral reforms, among other issues.
Initially peaceful, the protests turned violent in several cities, resulting in confrontations between police and demonstrators. At least 17 people are feared dead in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa during Thursday’s #EndBadGovernance protests.
Reports indicate that one person was shot dead in Abuja and Kano, two were killed in Jigawa, six in Niger, four in Borno, and three in Kaduna. On Friday, police dispersed protesters with tear gas, causing numerous injuries.
