Sani Yerima, a former governor of Zamfara State, has urged Nigerians to be patient to overcome the prevailing economic challenges in the country.

Admitting the discomfort that citizens currently face due to certain decisions made by President Bola Tinubu, Mr Yerima assured Nigerians that the phase would soon become a thing of the past.

“We have to be patient, and I am sure the initial discomfort associated with the decisions, especially the removal of subsidy, I am sure will go away in due course,” he said.

Mr Yerima’s statement followed a meeting with Mr Tinubu, during which he shared his views with State House correspondents.

He emphasised the importance of understanding that the decisions were made in the nation’s best interest.

“The president, having taken over the realm of affairs of our country, came up with three quick decisions that I believe, as an economist, are going to help this country to achieve development.”

Mr Yerima assured citizens that plans are already in the pipeline for palliative measures to cushion the effects of the petrol subsidy removal.

“On palliatives, the government is discussing with the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, and in due course, things will be put in place to reduce the hardship being faced by Nigerians due to the removal of subsidy,” he added.

Turning his attention to the banditry issue in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West region, Mr Yerima advocated a dialogue between the Nigerian government and the bandits.

While acknowledging the capacity of the Nigerian military and other security agencies to deal with the situation, he urged caution to avoid collateral damage.

Drawing upon the successful resolution of the Niger Delta crisis under the late President Umaru Yar’adua, Mr Yerima stressed that poverty and ignorance were the underlying causes of the problem.

He believed implementing a rehabilitation program could lead to a successful crisis resolution.