Former Zamfara State Governor, Sani Yerima, says the discomfort Nigerians are currently facing as a result of some decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu would soon go away.
He made the declaration in an interview with State House Correspondents after he met with President Bola Tinubu on Monday.
Yerima is therefore urging citizens to be patient as the decisions were taken in the interest of the nation and very soon, results will start turning in.
“The President, having taken over the realm of affairs of our country, came up with three quick decisions that I believe as an economist, are going to help this country to achieve development. He removed the fuel subsidy, which former leaders could not remove, he has harmonized the foreign exchange, which is going to help the import and export system of this country and finally, he re-opened the borders for goods and services to flow freely in Nigeria free.
“These three decisions were taken in the interest of Nigeria and with patience, Nigerians will see the advantage of taking these decisions. What the President needs is prayers and the support of Nigerians. We have to be patient and I am sure the initial discomfort associated with the decisions, especially the removal of subsidy I am sure will go away in due course,” he said.
The former Governor assured citizens that already plans are in the pipeline, to put in place palliative measures that will cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit.
“On palliatives, the government is discussing with Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress and in due course things will be put in place to reduce the hardship being faced by Nigerians,” he added.
He assures Nigerians that the economic policies of President Tinubu will address some of the challenges the nation is facing as well as make life better for citizens
Banditry
Commenting on the problem of banditry in Zamfara State and the North-West region of the country, Yerima advocated dialogue between the Nigerian government and the bandits.
“These people are Nigerians and I believe that the Nigerian military and other security agencies can deal with them squarely if directed and are given the resources they require, support and the political will.
“But the collateral damage that will be associated with the actions they will take is what I believe should be avoided. In the past, the late President Umaru Yar’adua had a similar interaction with militants of the Niger Delta and it was successful.
“The major causes of this problem are poverty and ignorance. So, I believe that as Nigerians, if they are called upon or if the government now comes up with a programme of rehabilitation, I am sure we will have a successful end to this crisis,” the former Governor stated.
