President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that there is no manipulation by any interest group in the ongoing economic reforms, emphasizing that his campaign was self-sponsored and free of any obligations to individuals or institutions.
Speaking at the State House on Thursday, while receiving a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau, President Tinubu addressed concerns about potential interference in his administration.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President stated, “I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my 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.”
President Tinubu also warned that protests driven by anger and hate could escalate into violence and hinder the country’s progress.
“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,” he said.
The President emphasized that the sponsors of such protests place their selfish ambitions above the 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 said.
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.
