Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his admiration for President Bola Tinubu’s commendable performance in office, despite the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians nationwide.
Buhari acknowledged the complexity of Nigeria’s challenges, stating that the current circumstances make it challenging for anyone to effectively address them.
Following Buhari’s departure from office on May 29, 2023, the country experienced a surge in economic hardship. On his inauguration day, President Tinubu announced the discontinuation of fuel subsidies, citing their disproportionate benefits to neighboring countries. Consequently, the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) rose from N185 to over N600.
Furthermore, as part of his administration’s financial sector reforms, the Nigerian currency, the naira, faced continuous depreciation against the dollar after the Central Bank of Nigeria adopted a market-determined exchange rate. This has led to increased volatility in the naira-to-dollar exchange rate, with the dollar trading between N1,400 and N1,900.
In recent weeks, Nigerians, led by organized labor, have staged protests nationwide, expressing discontent with the worsening socio-economic conditions that have pushed more citizens below the poverty line.
However, during a meeting with the comptroller-general and senior officials of the Nigeria Customs Service in Daura, Katsina State, President Buhari emphasized the arduous nature of governing Nigeria and called on citizens to endure the prevailing economic challenges while supporting the policies and programs of the current administration.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to all of you for your presence today. I deeply appreciate it. I must say that Tinubu has performed admirably,” President Buhari stated. “Nigeria’s complexities pose significant limitations. Indeed, there is only so much that can be achieved.”
In this manner, President Buhari acknowledged President Tinubu’s efforts while recognizing the formidable nature of the tasks involved in governing Nigeria.