Fuel Subsidy Removal : Tinubu Again Appeals For Patience

Amid the hardship in the country as a result of the fuel subsidy Removal, President Bola Tinubu has again urged Nigerians to exercise patient as there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

President Tinubu made the plea in Abuja while unveiling the 688 page book titled “Brutally Frank” which is an autobiography of Chief Edwin Clark.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said that the solution to Nigeria’s problem cannot be like instant coffee and appealed to Nigerians for a little more understanding.

“What the country is going through is like the pains of birth, but after it comes celebration. At the end of the sufferings today, tomorrow will be better” Tinubu said.

He emphasized that the country is going through a difficult stage but promised that the problems will be surmounted, just as he is optimistic that the palliatives for Nigerians by the Federal Government will help in ameliorating the hardship.

“We should endure this for a moment, What we’re going through today is for a better tomorrow, Nations are great because citizens have hope, They have hope that tomorrow will be better than today” the President added.

Commenting on the author of the book, the President described the Elder states man, Edwin Clark as the Iroko of South South and the Eagle of Nigeria who is a rare form of extra ordinary men.

“Let me say, Chief E. K. Clark, the president respects your person, he recognizes the fact that you are part of the Nigerian legend. You are the Iroko of the south South,  the Eagle of the nation. And you believe in the unity of this country. And it has been demonstrated in your book personally written by you” Tinubu stated.

Chairman of the occasion and former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, commended Chief Clark for his confidence and doggedness, who fearlessly defended the government and projected its image when he served in his government as the Federal  Commissioner for  Information.

Gowon explained that the PANDEF leader, has a strong character in projecting his views respectfully.

According to him, Clark was instrumental in explaining government policies and enhancing national unity.

“I can assure you I’ve never had any difficulty or argument with him. It was most amicable and respectfully given. However, considering a strong personality, there were of course times that he would vehemently disagree with his colleagues, commissioners and military officers and worked hard to convince them of why his own position is better than theirs”.

Gowon described the author as a foremost Nigerian who has done his part in the growth and development  of Nigeria as a country.

He said he appointed Clark as Minister of Information in the then military government in order to have what he described as a perfect replacement for Anthony Enahoro at that time.

On the book, the  former Head of State said that “it is a very useful chronicle of what had transpired in Nigeria during his (Clark’s) lifetime of service. I am hopeful that the younger generation will be better informed on our experiences which has brought the country to what it is today, on which our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents the centre of our common aspirations of peace, unity and progress”.

Also speaking, former President Goodluck Jonathan noted that Clark’s name should be one of the few Nigerians written in letters of gold in the political history book of the nation for his invaluable contributions to the unity and progress of the country.

In his key note address, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio who was represented by the Minister of Works Designate, Dave Umahi called on leaders to emulate the South South leader for his devotion towards justice for all, which stood him out amongst others.

Also the Former Governor of Edo State, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor who reviewed the book hailed Clark for his rich memory in putting the book together.

The book presentation also attracted other personalities including Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, who is the chief launcher; Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi; wife of late former Head of State, Maryam Abacha; traditional rulers including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, and Attah Igala, Àtá Matthew Opaluwa, among others.

Governors present at the occasion includes Edo, Delta, Bauchi, Plateau, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Taraba, past n present government officials, Captains of industry and diplomats.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji