PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has appealled to Nigerians to make a little more sacrifice, following the difficulties brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy, saying he understands the hardship the policy has imposed on them.
In his maiden Democracy Day address to Nigerians on Monday, June 12, the President stressed the need for the general public to make little sacrifice for the betterment of the entire country, adding that the temporary discomfort occasioned was necessary to save the country from going under.
According to him: “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.
“I admit that the decision will impose an extra burden on the masses of our people. Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country.”
Tinubu in the address, harped on unity, service to the people and defence of the legitimacy of his election victory.
On the presidential election, he stated: “That the polls were intensely contested is in itself positive evidence that democracy is well and alive in our land. It is only natural that even as those who won and experienced victory in the various elections are elated and fulfilled, those who lost are disenchanted and disappointed.”
He highlighted the fundamental principle of democracy, where winners and losers coexist, as a testament to the strength of the country’s democratic practice, adding: “The beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections.”
The President stressed the importance of accepting defeat graciously and the value of seeking redress through the legal channels provided by the constitution, reaffirming that democracy is the best form of government, which allows citizens to exercise their rights, while ensuring that the will of the people prevails.
“Those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph.
“Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.”
While expressing gratitude for the trust and belief placed in his administration, Tinubu assured Nigerians that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
He vowed to make substantial investments in critical areas, such as transportation infrastructure, education, reliable power supply, healthcare and other public utilities to improve the overall quality of life for Nigerians.
He charged elected officials across the executive and legislative branches to fulfill their promises and deliver tangible democracy dividends to the people they represent.
