President Bola Tinubu has dispelled fears of manipulation by any interest group in the ongoing economic reforms, emphasizing that his campaign was entirely self-funded without any obligations to individuals or institutions.
In a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Tinubu made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
Tinubu attributed his electoral victory to divine intervention, meticulous planning, and the support of Nigerians. “I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune. At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked. But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President. Mine is to now follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God,” he stated.
Emphasizing integrity, Tinubu remarked, “One of the most potent elements of defense is a good conscience. It is also a defense against corruption. What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of our children. We have a lot to teach them on what it takes to be a good citizen and what it takes to be a responsible citizen.”
The President also cautioned against protests fueled by anger and hate, warning they could lead to violence and set the country back. He outlined plans to rework the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, ensuring allowances for the poor and vulnerable. “We are reworking the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, which is the closest to our people. We are going to ensure that we re-establish connection with the wards, again, so that we can give allowances to the poor and the vulnerable. The student loans will pay for school fees. There will be monetary support for the education of our children. The consumer credit will support citizens to buy cars and houses, and they can repay gradually. We have increased the minimum wage by more than 100 percent,” Tinubu said.
He also criticized protest sponsors, accusing them of prioritizing their selfish ambitions over national interest. “The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports. They are in different parts of the world holding meetings virtually. We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan. We are talking about hunger, not burials. We have to be careful. We should be careful with premature politics; politics of hate, and anger. The internet has made it possible to hold meetings in artificial settings. They hold meetings and sponsor anger,” he warned.
Sheikh Bala Lau, the leader of the delegation, assured the President of their support through prayers and increased sensitization efforts. “Peace is paramount for us in the country. The first thing Abraham asked God for was peace and guidance,” Sheikh Lau noted.
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