May 29: Starting point might not be rosy — Shettima

The Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, has said that as a result of the myriad problems bedevilling the country, the starting point of his administration might not be rosy.

According to him, the issue of subsidy removal and the multiple exchange rate system, among others, have become serious challenges that the administration must surmount.

He spoke at the Jumat Prayer and Lecture held in Abuja on Friday as part of the activities lined up for the May 29 handover ceremony.

Shettima, who represented the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, at the event, said he was aware they were short on time, noting that delay might compound the deteriorating situation of the country.

He said, “Tinubu is a fair-minded person. He will do justice to Nigeria irrespective of affiliation with political parties, religious and tribal background. We are united by our common heritage of poverty and insecurity among others. This is time for all of us to form a collate into a single force.

“Ours is a great nation waiting to unleash its great potential to the world. China was once called a sleeping giant but today, China had 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, Nigerians will pay glow tributes to us. The starting point might not be rosy let me be very honest with you. Oil subsidy is 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.”