The Progressive Alliance Movement (PAM), a socio-political pressure group, has urged Nigerians to be patient with the new administration and to make room in their hearts to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to alleviate people’s suffering as a result of the suspension of fuel subsidy.
Members of the group reasoned that with genuine appreciation from citizens, public support, and patience, the president and administration would be better encouraged and spurred to do more to raise Nigerians’ living standards above their current levels and bring rapid development to the country.
At a press conference last weekend, the group’s President, Prince Bassey Newgent Ekamon JP, cited the immediate release of N2 billion, out of the N5 billion promised as palliative packages by the president, as well as the allocation of assorted food items to each of the 36 state governments and the FCT administration, as evidence that the government was genuinely seeking solutions and cared about the people.
According to Prince Ekamon, Nigerians would eventually celebrate Tinubu’s administration as the best in the country’s recent history, beginning with when the government reaches 100 days in office due to projects and reform activities planned for the country and its people.
Members of the group, however, were critical of the president’s nomination of opposition and non-APC members to the federal cabinet, while competent party members were left without appointments and have become mere observers.
“It is unfortunate that opposition figures, including those who fought the president, are being rewarded and favoured over APC members who worked hard for the success of the party at the polls and the election of President Tinubu,” Ekamon remarked.
He urged the president to review the appointments and address the uneven nature of the award system by including thanking members of the ruling party who worked and dedicated their time, resources, and effort to achieve the party’s win.
The group, which dubbed their briefing “Thumbs up for Tinubu,” also advised the president not to let coups in other African countries, particularly the military takeover in Niger Republic, distract him from efficiently implementing his “Renewed Hope Agenda” to improve the lot of Nigerians.