Tinubu meets Emefiele, Kyari as Shettima defends subsidy removal ~ Prestige News

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The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administrations means well for the country with better years ahead under their administration.

Shettima on his first day of resumption arrived the Vice President’s wing of the State House in Abuja on Tuesday at 12.39pm.

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The president was welcome by Shettima, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

Other officials on board to receive Tinubu were the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mele Kyari and the lawmaker representing the Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, James Faleke.

Speaking to State House Correspondents in his office, he restated the vow that he and Tinubu had made on Monday to improve the lives of the Nigerian people.

The vice president said the administration had expected stiff opposition from people benefitting from the subsidy scam, adding that the issue of fuel subsidy would be frontally addressed.

“The president has already made pronouncements yesterday on the issue of the fuel subsidy. The truth of the matter is that it is either we get rid of subsidy or the fuel subsidy gets rid of the Nigerian nation.

“In 2022, we spent $10billion subsidizing the ostentatious lifestyle of the upper class of the society because you and I benefit 90% from the oil subsidy. The poor 40% of Nigerians benefit very little. And we know the consequences of unveiling a masquerade.

“We will get fierce opposition from those benefitting from the oil subsidy scam. But where there is a will, there is a way. Be rest assured that our president is a man of strong will and conviction.

“In the fullness of time you will appreciate his noble intentions for the nation. The issue of fuel subsidy will be frontally addressed. The earlier we do so, the better.”

The president had promised Nigerians that his administration will never rule over the people while it will be a listening government as he kicks off his tenure.

Tinubu and Shettima were sworn-in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola as the president and vice-president respectively in a glamorous ceremony at the Eagles Square in Abuja on Monday.

The president thereafter gave his official inaugural speech since taking over the mantle of leadership from retired General Muhammadu Buhari.

“Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate,” Tinubu said.

“We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.

“We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well,” Tinubu said.