The Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria Movement has defended the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, saying the administration inherited a battered economy and had no option but to implement difficult policies to stabilise the country.
The group made the defence on Thursday during a peace walk the Federal Capital Territory, where its leaders urged Nigerians to remain patient, insisting that the reforms would yield greater economic benefits in the coming years.
The Director-General of the movement, Hon. Ahmed Bala, said the primary objective of the campaign was to sensitise Nigerians on the achievements of the Tinubu administration through peace walks, town hall meetings and engagements with youths and students across the country.
According to him, rebuilding an economy weakened over several years cannot produce instant results.
He likened the reforms to a painful medical treatment, arguing that recovery often comes with temporary hardship.
“Sometimes Nigerians want results without going through the process. You cannot treat a wound without feeling pain. We inherited a battered economy and these reforms are necessary if Nigeria must recover,” Bala said.
He urged Nigerians to draw lessons from countries such as China, where economic reforms initially attracted criticism before delivering sustained growth.
Bala also expressed confidence that Nigerians would eventually appreciate Tinubu’s policies, just as Lagos residents embraced his reforms during his tenure as governor.
“We thank God that He gave us Asiwaju. By 2029, Nigerians will appreciate these reforms because they are laying the foundation for a stronger economy,” he added.
The National Director of Town Hall and Public Engagement, Special Duties, Deborah Fareeda Ibrahim, said the peace walk was organised to enlighten Nigerians on government policies and visible infrastructure projects executed under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She cited the ongoing road expansion in Kuje as evidence of the administration’s commitment to development.
“What we ask Nigerians for is patience. Patience brings progress and progress leads to prosperity. Tinubu is fixing Nigeria,” she said.
Ibrahim argued that the removal of fuel subsidy and other economic reforms had strengthened public finances, increased allocations to states and created opportunities such as the student loan scheme.
She maintained that while the reforms were difficult, they had already begun to produce positive results, including greater economic stability.
The group also urged Nigerians to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that security should not be left solely to the Federal Government.
Ibrahim attributed fluctuations in fuel prices partly to global developments, including the conflict involving Iran, but expressed optimism that prices would continue to ease as supply conditions improve.
Engineer JohnBosco Onunkwo said the administration had recorded notable progress in agriculture, infrastructure and electricity reforms.
He said the decision to move electricity from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List had empowered states to generate electricity and improve power supply.
Onunkwo also claimed that the movement had documented more than 310 achievements of the Tinubu administration, adding that the figure could rise significantly after assessing the performance of ministries, departments and agencies.
National Secretary of the group, Architect Felix Arome, described public support for government programmes as a constitutional responsibility of citizens.
He said ongoing road projects and other infrastructure developments across the country reflected the impact of the administration’s policies.
Arome acknowledged the economic hardship facing many Nigerians but expressed confidence that increased local refining capacity, including support from the Dangote Refinery and other refineries, would eventually reduce the cost of petroleum products.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director-General of the movement, Zack Orji, said Nigerians should be properly informed about government projects rather than rely on misinformation.
According to him, several initiatives undertaken by the Tinubu administration were unprecedented since Nigeria’s independence.
He said, “Nigerians need to know the truth. The reforms may be painful, but they are necessary. Nigeria is on the path of recovery and greatness.”