TheCable

Kashim Shettima, the vice president-elect, says removing petrol subsidy and ending the multiple exchange rate system are issues that will pose the initial challenge to the incoming administration.

Shettima spoke at the public lecture and Juma’at prayer held at the National Mosque in Abuja as part of the 2023 presidential inauguration programme of events.

He appealed to Nigerians to stand with the government as it would be working to deconstruct the maze of challenges facing the nation.

He warned that the take-off point might be rough.

Shettima said the myriad of issues weighing on Nigeria had prevented it from taking its pride of place as a global power.

He, however, said the time had come for all Nigerians to stand together to face the challenges.

Shettima assured that Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, would treat all Nigerians equally, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic differences.

“We are united by our common heritage of poverty and insecurity among others. This is time for all of us to coalesce into a single force,” he said.

“Ours is a great nation, waiting to unleash its great potentials to the world. China was once called a sleeping giant, but today, China has woken up. Nigeria needs to wake up. We are calling on all of you to pray for us for God’s guidance. I want to assure you that Tinubu will hit the ground.

“We do not have the luxury of time. The challenges facing us are getting worse. We are living in a pressing time. Be rest assured that in the fullness of time, Nigeria will pay glowing tributes to us. The starting point might not be rosy, let me be very honest with you.

“Oil subsidy is an albatross on our neck, the multiple exchange rate system is a drain on the national economy. There are certain decisions the president-elect will take, but in the fullness of time, Nigerians will not only appreciate, but also celebrate us.”

He promised that women would be well represented and compensated in the incoming administration.

On his part, President Muhammadu Buhari said the economic and security problems faced under his watch were global challenges.

Buhari was represented at the event by Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF).

“The problems we have had within the economic, security, and social sector are not peculiar to us. The potentials are always there to make the country great,” Buhari said.

“How we managed during COVID-19 and the Russian /Ukrainian war among others have shown how Nigerians can come out of difficult situations. ”

He urged Nigerians to put aside their differences in the polls aside and support the incoming administration.

“Elections have come and gone. Another set of leaders have been elected. It is our duty to give them the necessary cooperation to enable them deliver their plans towards transforming Nigeria,” Buhari said.

”As citizens we must turn our differences into our source of strength to enable progressive development.”