Maitama Sule Pleads for Patience with Buhari’s Govt

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

First republic federal minister and one-time Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Dr. Yusuf Maitama Sule, has asked Nigerians to be patient as well as show understanding with President Muhammadu Buhari on the approach he has adopted to govern the country.

Sule, who yesterday spoke to journalists in Abuja on his feelings about the lingering scarcity of petrol in the country as well as the economic uncertainties in polity, expressed his belief that Buhari would emerge with good economic plans for the country.

He however accepted the fact that Nigerians are currently going through tough times, but stated that the outcome of Buhari’s intentions for the country would be beneficial to them.
“Certainly, there is hardship in the country. There is no doubt about it, but there had in the past been hardships too. I have seen it all, and I have watched the happenings in this country since independence up till now.

“I have seen so many crises, and in fact, worst than what we see now, but we have always come out of them. Now, all we want is some sort of perseverance and patience because we will overcome by the grace of God,” Sule said.
He further stated that: “What I will ask my fellow countrymen to do is to pray for the administration to be up and doing and up to the task. I am sure that the government will be able to see us through because I am confident that after this hardship, things will come ease, so all we need to do is to persevere.”

On the current petrol scarcity, the elder statesman said: “We are experiencing pain now, later, there will be ease so my fellow countrymen please bear with the government. I am asking them to pray for the administration because I see signs and I am beginning to see light in the tunnel.

“I understand that the government is meeting with the oil marketers to find a solution to the problem and I am really glad and hope they will find a lasting solution to the crisis. It will take time, but things will be alright in the end.”

While proffering sustainable solutions to the situation, the former diplomat said there was need for the country to adopt or update its energy policy. He thus admonished members of the National Assembly to overlook their selfish interests and pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law.

According to him, the PIB represents a high hope to ease the country’s challenges in its oil and gas industry.