President Bola Tinubu assured Catholic bishops in Nigeria that the ongoing insecurity is a shared concern across all religions, asserting that his policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, are aimed at improving the nation’s economy. Despite claims of optimism and positive outcomes from his administration, Nigerians continue to struggle with inflation and rising cost of living.
On Friday, President Bola Tinubu addressed the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, highlighting the pervasive insecurity affecting all Nigerians without religious bias. Despite significant public discontent over economic challenges, he emphasized that “there is hope” and defended his administration’s controversial policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Tinubu acknowledged the tough economic environment but assured that his administration is attuned to the citizens’ difficulties and committed to making decisions in their best interest. He stated that the decision to remove the fuel subsidy, although difficult, was necessary to prevent national bankruptcy, emphasizing it was a hard choice that had to be made for the country’s fiscal health.
The president cited positive developments from his policies, such as increased foreign investments, improved competition in the petroleum sector, and better agricultural yields. He remarked, “What seems to be a very difficult beginning is now showing us hope. And we are not even at half-time yet.”
Addressing the bishops, he insisted on his impartiality regarding religious matters, stating, “This insecurity affects everyone—Christians, Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot.” However, he claimed that security forces were effectively addressing rising insecurity, a statement met with skepticism by many citizens, given the ongoing violence, kidnappings, and killings nationwide.
While Tinubu portrayed an optimistic outlook for the nation’s economy, the reality remains bleak. Since abolishing the fuel subsidy, inflation has surged, with food prices soaring. The Naira continues to decline against the dollar, businesses are facing hardships, and countless Nigerians have fallen further into poverty due to economic pressures.
President Bola Tinubu’s address to the Catholic Bishops highlighted the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria and his administration’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy. He asserted that despite the challenges, there is optimism about the nation’s future economic trajectory, marked by investments and agricultural improvements. Yet, inflation and rising poverty levels paint a stark contrast to his hopeful narrative. The president’s assurances of impartiality and effective security measures are met with public skepticism amid prevailing violence and hardship.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
