SAN FRANCISCO, May 20, – National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has claimed that the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, introduced by former President Goodluck Jonathan to ameliorate the hardships caused Nigerians by the partial removal of fuel subsidy in 2012 was riddled with corruption and diversion.
This was as the former governor of Lagos state averred that he can vouch that President Muhammadu Buhari, who he described as honest and straightforward, will not steal from the public treasury.
He spoke on Friday when he led some APC chieftains to the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Abuja to make the unionists see reasons why they should call off the strike embarked upon to protest the hike in the price of petrol.
It would be recalled that on Wednesday, the faction of the NLC led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba effect its earlier threat to the government by declaring an indefinite nationwide strike and protests. However, the industrial action failed to gain much traction as most workers have been going about their duties.
Addressing the executive members of the NLC, Tinubu said “I cannot say, I’m a part of the decision that created the situation. I can only say I noticed the communication gap. And I cannot say you are enemies of this government.
“Today, we came here to appeal to you. Go back to history, we worked real hard to bring Nigeria on progressive path. For me a progressive government is all about the welfare of the people.
“Mr president, the former president of NLC, and senators are here to make it clear that you are not an enemy of a government that is progressive.
“We have refineries, but they are not serving our people. Is it benefiting the public? Why should we continue problem after problem, and continue to do the same things over and over again.
“We must try new things. I’m here to appeal to you to understand this government. You brought this government in. If change is our slogan, are we collaborating to make it possible?
“This is by the way, we must introduce history… the political history of the country is not being taught in schools anymore.
“In good conscience, many of you who are part of genuine labour struggle know is about progress and not cheap oil.
“We are shipping our labour, oil and opportunities abroad, which is not good for the country.
“Buhari is straightforward. We didn’t say we won’t have problems with him, but he has integrity.
“They brought in SURE-P, but the only thing about SURE-P is corruption. It was sure stealing, sure diversion.
“Buhari will listen to us, we will work together to make this change possible.
“I can swear that Buhari will not touch a penny for personal gain. He has that character and integrity to steer Nigeria.
“Let us look at a new mechanism of doing things.
“Let us work together for a government that we know is honest. My mission here is for peace, for us to return to the negotiating table.
“Let us build Nigeria, let us make it the centre piece of Africa.
“Let us call off this strike. I come to beg on behalf of my party.”
Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state and Kabir Marafa, a senator from Zamfara central.
In his remarks, the NLC President, Wabba commended the delegation for its visit, stating that “visiting us has demonstrated you are concerned about the working class.”
He continued; “We have taken note of your plea. And we will convey this plea to the various organs of the party.
“I want to assure you that we are open to discussion.”
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