FG: Tighten your belts as Nigeria undergo surgery

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has asked Nigerians to make the necessary sacrifice for long term gains by tightening their belts amid harsh economic hardship for the progress of nation that he claim is undergoing a surgical operation.

He stated this while reacting to August 1, 2024 planned nationwide hunger protest over side-rocking economic policy of the government, which has been generating tension and variety of responses among Nigerians.

Speaking on Sunday Channels Television Politics, Tunji-Tunji-Ojo, pleaded with Nigerians to engage and be patient with President Bola Tinubu-led in implementing his economic policies.

The Minister who acknowledged that Nigerians are hungry, said “This is the period for us to tighten our belts…according to him, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not a Magician. Judging his administration based on one year performance is not right”.

“For me in every crisis, there is always an opportunity for greatness. The opportunity I see here is an opportunity for effective nation building. And nation building is not President Bola Tinubu’s task responsibility alone. It’s not my task alone, but a joint task.

“A moment like this is a moment that separates statesmen from others. This is the time when statesmen must come together. You do not develop a Country on the premise of anger, rage or annoyance. Anybody that has taken a decision out of anger or rage cannot succeed.

“So, what do we need to do? We need to sit down as a people and talk over the issue. Before you embark on a protest, your first responsibility should be Nigeria.

Patriotism should come in place. And when we talk about patriotism, you must be able to engage first. The number 1 thing is that have we demonstrated that we have exhausted all methods of engagement, including negotiations and petitions? When you the government to even respond? Are you looking at the work-flow of government or try to have an insight into the government

The Minister said one year is too small to judge the performance of an administration that granted financial Autonomy to Local Government Councils, after ending petrol subsidy regime, which past governments have failed to implement.

Tunji-ojo also said, “A seed must die first before it germinate. This is a moment of healing. The government has planted the seed and one year period is not enough. Nigerians should bear with us”, he said.