President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made it clear that Nigeria cannot continue to feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries in the name of oil subsidy.
President Tinubu, who addressed traditional rulers from across the country at the presidential villa, Abuja, today, June 9, said: ‘‘I am grateful that you are paying attention to what I have been doing.
“You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. “Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not everyday is Christmas?
‘‘The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. “A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potentials to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing (by removing the subsidy).”
President Tinubu however, appealed to the traditional leaders to persuade Nigerians to have faith and that the pump prices of fuel will eventually come down.
He acknowledged concerns being expressed on the need for critical infrastructure in different parts of the country, vowing to remove any road block on the way of the progress of the Nigeria people.
He told the traditional rulers under the aegis of National Council of Traditional Rulers that there can be no development without capital projects.
On the leadership of the National Assembly, the President called the Royal Fathers to counsel their subjects who are interested in elective positions to manage their ambitions, and create harmony within the legislative house.
President Tinubu said that he is ready to work with any elected representative from the National Assembly because Nigeria project is of paramount importance to him.
‘‘Nigeria must survive. Nigeria must develop. Nigeria must make progress.”
On security, the President reiterated his pledge to Nigerians to prioritise the sector until every Nigerian “goes to sleep with their two eyes closed.’’
He emphasized that the unity and togetherness of the country cannot be compromised, saying that every region of the country would get what it is due.
‘‘We are going to tackle youth unemployment. It is only when we have the prosperity for the country that we can create jobs that will employ our youths.’’
Condemning crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region by a ‘tiny percentage’ of the population, President Tinubu said it was counterproductive to the growth of the economy.
‘‘We need to tame those involved in this sabotage and we will work as hard as possible to ensure that the diversity of this country is used for its prosperity, growth and stability.’’
President Tinubu told the traditional rulers that with the campaigns and elections over, he is ready for governance, and that his government has already signed a law that extends the retirement age of judicial officers from 65 to 70 years, while also addressing pension reforms.
On electricity, the President said that a constitutional amendment signed into law now would allow Nigeria’s 36 States to generate electricity.
‘‘That’s devolution of power and that should be our contribution to the developmental projects you are looking for and we will continue in ways that will help our people.”
President Tinubu thanked members of NCTRN for their early visit and prayers for the success of his administration.
‘‘Without your prayers and support, I cannot stand before you as President and I thank you for your support during the campaigns,’’ he said.
In separate remarks, the Chairman and Co-Chairman of NCTRN, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, pledged the support and loyalty of traditional rulers from the six geo-political zones to President Tinubu.
They assured the President of their continued prayers in his resolve to move the country forward under his Renewed Hope agenda.
‘‘We are 100 per cent in support of your government and we believe in the will of the Almighty Allah you will move this country forward,’’ the Sultan said, while congratulating him and Vice President Kashim Shettima on their election victory, peaceful transition and assumption of office.
‘‘We will contribute our quota to the development of the country once you reach out to us.”
The Ooni of Ife expressed delight that the country has remained united and focused despite the challenges.
He recalled the word of President Tinubu where he said that he would deserve no pity from anyone because he asked for the job.
The Ooni appealed to President Tinubu not to underestimate the power and reach of traditional rulers in complementing the programmes and visions of the new government.
The President and his deputy listened to presentations from representatives from the six geo-political zones, including Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Ibn Umar Al Amin El-kanemi; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Amanayabo of Nembe, Edmund Daukoru; Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse; and Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.
