Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to be patient, reassuring them that President Bola Tinubu understands their concerns and anxieties.
The VP also disclosed that the president is aware of the activities of the oil subsidy cabal but added that he is determined to push on with the reforms despite the difficulties currently facing the country.
Shettima’s appeal came in response to the nationwide hunger protest and the need for Nigerians to be patient with the president in light of the hardship occasioned by the removal of the fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange market, and other economic reforms.
Shettima made this statement at the African Caucus meeting 2024, held on Friday in Abuja, where he represented the president.
He said, “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.
“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 protesting soaring inflation, food prices, and economic hardship largely caused by policies and reforms undertaken by the current administration.
The protesters, calling for an #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.
However, the rally, which began peacefully, has taken a violent turn in some cities, leading to violent confrontations between the police and the protesters.
No fewer than 17 people are feared to have been killed in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa during the #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country on Thursday.
One person was shot dead in Abuja and Kano, two were killed in Jigawa, six others were reportedly gunned down by security forces in Niger, while four died in Borno and three in Kaduna.
Also on Friday, police officers dispersed the protesters with tear gas, and many were feared injured.
