Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has appealed to Nigerians to be calm over the current fuel scarcity and cash crunch.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) spokesperson, Mr Tinubu asked Nigerians to remain calm as the federal government and relevant agencies tried to solve the challenges.

“I empathise with Nigerians, especially the poor masses that have been made to bear the brunt and pains of the CBN naira redesign policy and fuel scarcity the most,” Mr Tinubu said.

Without categorically citing any political party, Mr Tinubu alleged that the opposition attempted to disrupt the general elections.

“What the opposition and enemies of democracy want is to create a state of national siege and tension that can disrupt the coming general elections and create an atmosphere of strife in our country.

“We must say ‘no’ to them; we must be resolute and stand firm to protect our democracy by ensuring we hold our elections in a peaceful and orderly manner,’’ he said.

Mr Tinubu particularly empathised with the downtrodden that had been bearing the brunt of the CBN’s naira redesign policy and the irregular supply of petrol.

The former governor of Lagos said the development had combined to inflict avoidable pains on the masses.

He commended NNPC Ltd. for the fuel supply relief being enjoyed in the FCT and urged the company to step up its act to bring relief around the country.

Mr Tinubu also urged the CBN to refrain from being dogmatic on the February 10 deadline it fixed for the transition from old naira notes to the new ones.

He said this was because the policy’s unintended consequence had been a massive pain for the people.

The presidential candidate said he was distressed by the news of cash-strapped farmers having to sell their products excessively cheaply to avoid losing all.

He assured Nigerians that the current challenges would soon be over, pleading that they avoid anything capable of causing unrest in the country, even when they were justifiably angry.

Mr Tinubu re-emphasised that he was in the presidential race to bring renewed hope and prosperity to all, saying that no challenges would be difficult for Nigerians as a people to surmount with unity of purpose.

“When you elect me, I will work to ensure security, economic prosperity, national unity and cohesion.

“And we will together build a country that will be a source of joy to us all and a pride to every black person everywhere in the world,’’ Mr Tinubu stressed.

(NAN)