Tinubu Appeals For Calm Over Fuel, New Naira Notes’ Scarcity

Speaking in Abuja on Tues­day, Tinubu said he sympathis­es with the people, especially the downtrodden who have been made to bear the brunt of the new naira policy by the Cen­tral Bank and irregular supply of petrol that have combined to inflict pains on the masses.

He commended the NNPC Limited for the fuel supply re­lief being enjoyed in the Feder­al Capital Territory and urged the company to step up its act to bring relief around the country.

He also urged the CBN not to be dogmatic in the deadline it has fixed for the transition from old Naira notes to the new ones, especially as the consequence of the policy has been massive pain on the people.

The former governor said he is distressed by news of cash strapped farmers having to sell their products cheap to avoid losing all, adding that such experience in the short term may be a disincentive to hardworking farmers.

The former Governor of Lagos assured Nigerians that the current challenges will soon be over and pleaded that people should avoid anything capable of causing unrest in the country even when they are justifiably angry.

“This is a challenging peri­od in the life of our country when our people are made to stay on the line for hours to get fuel and even get their own money from the banks.

“I empathise with Nigerians across the country, especially the poor masses, who have been made to bear the brunt and pains of the CBN Naira policy and fuel scarcity the most.

“While the government continues to work to solve these problems, let’s stay calm, maintain the peace and continue to shun and avoid any act capable of causing civil unrest and disharmony.

“What the opposition and enemies of democracy want is to create a state of nation­al siege and tension that can disrupt the coming general elections and create an atmo­sphere of strife in our country.

“We must say no to them. We must be resolute and stand firm to protect our de­mocracy by ensuring we hold our elections in a peaceful and orderly manner.

“I am in this race to bring renewed hope and prosperity to all Nigerians.

“There are no challenges that will be difficult for us as a people to surmount when we stand in unity of purpose.

“When you elect me, I will work to ensure security, eco­nomic prosperity, national unity and cohesion and we will together build a country that will be a source of joy to us all and a pride to every black person everywhere in the world,” Tinubu said.