Be Generous to This Poor Man, Shettima Asks Nigerians to Support Tinubu

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to be “generous” towards President Bola Tinubu, saying the President took difficult decisions to prevent Nigeria’s economy from collapsing.

Shettima made the call in Lagos after meeting with Tinubu, who recently returned to the country from his annual vacation.

The Vice-President said Tinubu inherited an economy that was already facing serious difficulties, with the administration forced to take what he described as far-reaching decisions.

He specifically pointed to the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of multiple exchange rates as measures that were necessary to address the country’s economic challenges.

“It is absolutely essential that Nigerians need to be generous to this poor man,” Shettima said.

According to him, Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at about $3.9 billion when the Tinubu administration assumed office, which he said was insufficient to finance fuel imports for one month.

Shettima said Tinubu nevertheless demonstrated the courage to implement difficult reforms, arguing that the measures helped prevent a deeper economic crisis.

“He saved the economy. I want Nigerians to understand this fundamental truism. We were on the road to Caracas; he saved our economy; he saved the nation from falling into pieces,” the Vice-President said.

He acknowledged that Nigerians were experiencing hardship as a result of the economic situation but expressed optimism that the difficult period would not last indefinitely.

“We appreciate the pains Nigerians are going through, but tough times do not last forever; tough people do,” he said.

Shettima also highlighted some Federal Government interventions aimed at easing the burden on citizens, including plans to deploy 10,600 electric tricycles across the North-East.

He said the government would also introduce e-logistics services in the North-West, while 300 buses and electric taxis would be deployed to reduce transportation difficulties.

The Vice-President further described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as an important intervention for students from low-income families.

Shettima said Tinubu remained concerned about the welfare of ordinary Nigerians and would continue introducing programmes aimed at reducing the impact of the economic challenges.

He also acknowledged increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, saying the administration would continue combining governance with political engagements.