Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has appealed to Nigerians to unite with the government to overcome the current hardship in the country.
In his opening remarks at the consultative forum between the government’s Economic Management Team and the Private Sector on the Economic Recovery Growth Plan, to be launched later this month, he said the journey out of the damage caused by years of neglect and corruption was bound to be difficult but there is a glorious light at the end of the tunnel.
“Let us work together, steadfastly and patiently for the economic change that will come very soon,” he was quoted as saying in excerpts from his address.
Acknowledging ongoing street protests in criticism of the economic hardship, Mr. Osinbajo said, “We hear you loud and clear, those who are on the streets protesting the economic situation and even those who are not, but feel the pain of economic hardship. We hear you loud and clear. You deserve a decent life and we are working night and day to make life easier.”
The Ag. President quoted recent related remarks by President Buhari, to back up his message, as follows: "I know that uppermost in your minds today is the economic crisis, the recession for many individuals and families is real. For some it means not being able to pay school fees, for others it is not being able to afford the high cost of rice, millet, or of local or international travel. And for many of our young people the recession means joblessness, sometimes after graduating from university or polytechnic.
“I know how difficult things are, and how rough business is. All my adult life I have always earned a salary, and I know what it is like when your salary simply is not enough. In every part of our nation people are making incredible sacrifices."
President Buhari is away in the United Kingdom on a 10-day medical leave that was to have ended yesterday, paving the way for him to return to work today. Only yesterday, however, it was disclosed that he had written to the National Assembly to extend the leave. There are speculations he may not return for another four months.
