The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, has ascribed the current fuel and naira scarcity to the activities of saboteurs.
He said this in Lagos on Tuesday, during the launching of the second phase of a transport initiative called “Gbaja ride.”
The initiative was designed to empower his Surulere constituents.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 35 low-fare buses that would ply different routes in Surulere and environs were inaugurated.
Gbajabiamila noted that the incessant fuel and naira scarcity of naira notes were carefully orchestrated by some elements to slow down the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking on the “Gbaja ride,” he disclosed that the first edition started in June 2018 with 30 new buses,160 motorcycles and 25 tricycles.
He said the second phase had been better structured to offer better bus services to the people of Surulere at very low fares.
Gbajabiamila said the new 35 buses would be run in partnership with members of Lagos State Park and Garages Administrators.
He, however, said the buses would offer free rides to teachers, students and residents who are above 70 years.
He explained that the initiative was one of his many interventions geared towards improving the lot of the people of the constituency.
He also said the House of Representatives was working hard to rescue citizens from the current hardships towards bringing relief as soon as possible.
“As your representative and speaker, I have a good understanding of the current hardships and discomfort being faced by many Nigerians, without exception to my constituents.
“The lower legislative chamber under my leadership has been on the side of the people, working tirelessly to rescue them from these difficulties.
“I am glad that the judiciary has also confirmed our position on the implementation of the policy of naira redesign.”
The speaker also alleged that some elements had created a crisis around the policy just to stop the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, from winning the presidential election.
He said, “Nobody can convince me that it is not a plot to stop Asiwaju from becoming the president of this country.
“But I am glad that our God is a wonderful being, as the plot these people sat together to hatch he has intervened.
“I have followed the campaign team to the East, North and everywhere with Asiwaju and I doff my hat for Nigerians.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Mr Sulaiman Yusuf, commended Gbajabiamila for the initiative.
He said the scheme was another proof that the Speaker was committed to the wellbeing of the people of his constituency.
“This is another proof that the speaker cares. He has done so much for the people of Surulere and we are so proud of him,” he said.
NAN
