Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has appealed to Nigerians across the country, who are protesting what they call “unfavourable government policies” saying the government understands their feelings.
“We hear you loud and clear, those who are on the streets protesting the economic situation and even those who are not, but feel the pain of economic hardship.
“We hear you loud and clear. You deserve a decent life and we are working night and day to make life easier,” he said.
The Acting President made this remarks on Monday at the consultative forum between the Economic Management Team and the Private Sector on the Economic Recovery Growth Plan, which is to be launched later in the month.
Hundreds of protesters under the aegis of the #IStandWithNigeria group, gathered in Abuja and Lagos in protests to draw the attention of government to several issues affecting their well-being.
The Ag. President also recalled the words of President Buhari, a few months earlier when he said:
“I know that uppermost in your minds today is the economic crisis, the recession for many individuals and families is real.
“For some it means not being able to pay school fees, for others it is not being able to afford the high cost of rice, millet, or of local or international travel.
“And for many of our young people the recession means joblessness, sometimes after graduating from university or polytechnic.
“I know how difficult things are, and how rough business is. All my adult life I have always earned a salary, and I know what it is like when your salary simply is not enough. In every part of our nation people are making incredible sacrifices.”
Prof Osinbajo noted that the journey out of the damage caused by years of neglect and corruption is bound to be difficult but “there is a glorious light at the end of the tunnel”.
“Let us work together, steadfastly and patiently for the economic change that will come very soon,” he urged.