President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said there’s nothing fated as to being poor.
Tinubu stated this in his Democracy Day speech on Monday morning where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to exterminate poverty, saying penury is not divine but induced by people.
The President also made reference to proclaimed winner of June 12, late Chief Moshood Abiola’s campaign in the ill-fated Third Republic.
“Thirty years ago, he(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,” he said.
Tinubu remarked that the effect he gave to the removal of fuel subsidy by his predecessor is in line with his stance to root out poverty in the land, charging Nigerians to brace up for the sacrifice.
“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,” he said.
