President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his ongoing economic reforms are free from manipulation by any interest group, emphasizing that his campaign was self-funded and devoid of any indebtedness to individuals or institutions.
During a meeting with a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau at the State House on Thursday, President Tinubu attributed his electoral victory to divine intervention, strategic planning, and widespread support from Nigerians.
In a statement released by Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale on Thursday evening, President Tinubu said, “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 continued, “One of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence 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.”
Addressing the issue of protests driven by anger and hate, President Tinubu warned that such actions could lead to violence and setback the country. He revealed plans to revamp the social welfare scheme to ensure assistance reaches the ward level, providing allowances to the poor and 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,” the President stated.
President Tinubu criticized the sponsors of protests, accusing them of placing their selfish ambitions above 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,” he remarked.
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.