SOARING FUEL PRICES: Let’s thank God we are better than other African countries -Tinubu

* Insists FG working to ease citizens’ burden

* Inaugurates 60-megawatt gas turbine plants in Bayelsa

BY ORIAKU IJELE & TOSIN ADAMS

The growing cries of economic hardship, precipitated by government policies and exacerbated by the Middle East crisis has been acknowledged by President Tinubu. He however insisted that Nigerians are having a better experience than national of many African countries.

The President spoke on Friday during his visit to Bayelsa State, where he inaugurated a number of projects.

According to Tinubu, “I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let’s just thank God together that you are better off.

“Listen to them in Kenya, in other African countries, what they are going through. We will not look back. We will continue to find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the vulnerable. This is a government that cares.

“I am glad the Head of Service is here. Look at the numbers with the finance, economic planning, and budgeting, and we will see what we can do to ease the burden.

“But that is the development; the burden of it is what we are facing today. The challenge of the war we didn’t call for, but the effect of the interrelated world that we share. Both the joy and pain of it are universal,” he stated.

Meanwhile President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, inaugurated 60-megawatt gas turbine plants at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

The president also inaugurated other projects implemented by the Gov. Douye Diri-led administration such as 630 metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, Sagbama/Ekeremor Road, and 2.9km Dual-Carriageway in Yenagoa.

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting held at the Bayelsa Government House, Tinubu commended Diri for implementing the independent power project.

The president said that Bayelsa people deserved to see governance translated into physical development and better quality of life.

“We are all working hard. Independent power supply is a good thing. I assure Nigerians that they will have electricity to power their growth,” he said.

He urged the governor to implement more people-oriented projects, and pledged that the Federal Government would support his government to achieve more for the state.

Also speaking, Diri commended the president for the visit, and described him as a friend of Bayelsa people.

“We are confident that you will recognise the depth of our appreciation for taking time from your busy schedule to inaugurate these landmark projects.

“Your administration’s decisive policy interventions have paved the way for meaningful reforms in various sectors including power.

“This has enabled us to deliver on our pledge to establish a reliable, independent energy through the construction of these gas‑powered turbines.

“For us as a state, this is not just an achievement, it is a cause for thanksgiving and rejoicing,” he said.

The visit attracted the presence of notable personalities including former President Goodluck Jonathan