Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration amid criticism over the country’s economic challenges following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Speaking at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, she addressed concerns about the rising cost of living, stating that the administration is working to resolve the issues and should not be blamed for the current situation.
“The administration is only 18 months in, and we are not responsible for the current hardship. We are working to fix it and secure a better future,” she said, referring to the sharp increase in petrol prices from N198 to N1,030 per liter after the subsidy removal, which was announced during Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023.
The First Lady expressed confidence in the administration’s plans, saying, “With God’s help, in the next two years, Nigeria will be in a much better place. Others tried to remove the subsidy but couldn’t complete the process. With your prayers, we will build a stronger nation for the future.”
She also reassured Nigerians of President Tinubu’s integrity, emphasizing that both she and her husband remain humble and committed to the country’s progress. “We give thanks to God for our position, and we are not greedy. It’s rare for wealthy individuals to reach this position, but we are grateful. We will not disappoint Nigeria, and with God’s guidance, we are on our way to the promised land,” she said.
The First Lady made these remarks while inaugurating a hostel and a 2.7-kilometer road at Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University (OAU), Ile-Ife, which were donated by the Ooni of Ife and named in her honor. She also pledged N1 billion to support the university’s development.
In addition to economic matters, Mrs. Tinubu stressed the importance of hard work, particularly for the youth, reminding them, “There is no food for the lazy man, even God worked for six days and rested on the seventh.” She urged Nigerians to be patient and hopeful for a brighter future under the current administration.
She concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to stabilizing the economy and improving the lives of citizens in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal, stating, “We are doing everything we can to ensure the economy is stabilized and that people can live meaningful lives.”
