Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her husband, President Bola Tinubu, amid criticisms over the ongoing economic hardship following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The subsidy removal, announced during President Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, led to a sharp increase in petrol prices, soaring from N198 to N1,030 per litre.
Speaking at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, Mrs Tinubu stressed that the administration is still in its early stages and should not be blamed for the current challenges.
First Lady Urges Patience and Optimism
“We are just 18 months into our administration; we are not the cause of the current situation. We are trying to fix it and secure the future,” the First Lady stated.
She added that despite the subsidy removal, she is optimistic that, with time and prayer, Nigeria will see significant improvements.
“Those who attempted removing subsidies before could not see it through. But with your prayers, in the next two years, we will build a nation for the future,” she added.
The First Lady reassured Nigerians of President Tinubu’s integrity and commitment, expressing gratitude for their trust while acknowledging the humility with which they serve.
“We give glory to God for our status, myself and my husband. We are not greedy, and we thank God for what He has done for us,” Mrs Tinubu expressed.
She added, “With God’s help, we will reach the promised land in no distant time. We will not disappoint Nigeria.”
Oluremi Tinubu made these comments during the inauguration of a hostel and a 2.7-kilometre road donated to Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University (OAU), Ile-Ife, by the Ooni of Ife.
Both the hostel and road were named in her honour. She also donated N1 billion to the university for its continued development.
The Ooni praised the First Lady for her positive influence and longstanding role as a model leader since her time as Lagos State’s First Lady.
Mrs Tinubu also emphasized the importance of hard work, particularly for Nigerian youth, saying,
“There is no food for the lazy man, even God worked for six days and rested on the seventh day.”
She urged Nigerians to be patient, reaffirming the government’s commitment to stabilising the economy after the fuel subsidy removal.
“We are working to ensure the economy is stabilised and the masses live meaningful lives,” she concluded.
