The Ex-Senate President said the current hardship is a temporary setback, and an unintended consequence of fuel subsidy removal, which will yield better results.
Immediate past President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic despite the challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.
Lawan made the call over the weekend, during the launch of the distribution of 9,000 bags of grains, serving as relief measures for his constituents in the Yobe North Senatorial District.
The initiative, which was organized by his foundation, The Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (SAIL) Empowerment Foundation, took place at Filin Katuzu in the Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The relief effort targets individuals from 60 wards spanning six Local Government Areas within the Yobe North Senatorial District, extending its benefits to Muslim religious groups, Christian communities, and Persons with Disabilities.
Addressing the press at the event, Lawan, who noted the economic hardship faced by Nigerians stemming from subsidy removal, assured that the policies introduced by the President Bola Tinubu-led government will gradually yield desired outcomes.
“We are in dire straits; most of our people are in need of foodstuffs because of recent events and situations and, of course, interventions of government that would yield the desired results in the future.
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“People are in serious trouble of feeding themselves. But the federal government has taken a lot of measures, some of which include giving N5 billion to every state; and 5 or 6 trucks of grains to every state including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“This intervention is my token to complement what the federal government and my state has done for my community. These 9,000 bags of grains that I have given is a way of saying, ‘I know your situation, I can do only this, I wish I could do better.’
“We pray to Almighty Allah (SWT) that this situation comes to an end as quickly as possible. I’m a believer in the fact that the recent policies especially, the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy which is part of the problem, will yield the desired results later.
“We will see a better life, we will see more infrastructural development in our states and communities, but for now, this is the price we have to pay,” Lawan said.
The former Senate President explained that the distribution of grains as palliatives targets the most vulnerable of his constituents who cannot cope with high living costs.
“Our target are the most vulnerable, the weakest in our communities, those who are disabled and unable to feed themselves but have to beg.
“But even outside of those who are less than able or disabled, there are people who, ordinarily, could feed themselves, but because of recent events, they are also in need. So, the weakest part of our communities is what we are targeting.
“Our clerics have preached to us the necessity of ensuring that whatever is given to you in trust for others, you deliver such. And, I’m sure that those 9,000 bags will get to those that this intervention targets.
“We should continue to pray to God and be positive and hopeful that this situation ends. It is not a permanent situation; it is a temporary setback. Sometimes, public policies come with unintended consequences that are the price we have to pay to have a good life.
“So, we tarry a while and pray, as we continue to give support to our government at various levels. This is a situation that will not last for too long,” Lawan submitted.
