The former Governor of Borno State noted that the oil subsidy had become an albatross around their necks, adding that the multiple exchange rates system was a drain on the national economy and created a dual economic system.
The Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, has said that the incoming administration led by Bola Tinubu might not have a rosy starting point.
The former Governor of Borno State noted that the oil subsidy had become an albatross around their necks, adding that the multiple exchange rates system was a drain on the national economy and created a dual economic system.
Shettima made this assertion in the address he delivered on Friday at the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Public Lecture at the National Mosque, Abuja.
He noted that the incoming administration did not have the luxury of time as the challenges facing the nation were humongous.
He said; “The starting point might not be rosy, let me be very honest with you. The oil subsidy has become an albatross around our necks. The multiple exchange rates system is a drain on the national economy and creates a dual economic system.
“There are certain decisions that the new administration will take, but in the fullness of time, Nigerians will come not only to appreciate but also to celebrate us.
“As the Chinese will say, ‘The worst curse that a Chinese man may wish on you is for you to live in interesting times.’ And indeed, we are living in interesting times. But rest assured that in the fullness of time, Nigerians will come to pay glowing tributes to Bola Tinubu.
"Power is the most ephemeral of God’s gifts to humanity; a person’s pedigree does not make them who they are.
“We’re here, we’re leaders, not because of our intellect. Neither Kashim Shettima nor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu holds any Ph.D. degree. We are what we are, not because of our physical powers. We are what we are, not because of our political sagacity. There are better politicians.
“Power, to us, will be a humbling experience. It’s an opportunity to serve God and humanity. And whether we accept it or not, we are going to spend more years of our lives outside power than in power.
"My principal is a pure-minded leader who would do justice to all Nigerians, irrespective of differences in political affiliations, religious persuasions, tribal or sectional backgrounds.
“We’re all united by our common heritage of poverty, destitution and insecurity. This is the time for all of us to coalesce into a single force,” he added.