”In a bold and unwavering statement, the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has asserted that his administration is free from the control and influence of any cabal. He emphasized that the financial resources used during his election campaign were entirely his personal fortune, underscoring his independence and commitment to the nation’s welfare.
During a meeting with a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu revealed the challenges he faced during his campaign. He recounted how the closure of banks during the period created significant obstacles, yet he emerged victorious. “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,” Tinubu declared.
President Tinubu emphasized that a good conscience is one of the most potent defenses against corruption. He highlighted the importance of teaching future generations the values of good citizenship and responsibility. “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,” he stated.
In light of a planned nationwide protest by certain groups, President Tinubu urged the organizers to reconsider their stance. He cautioned that protests fueled by anger and hate could escalate into violence and set the country back. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to meeting the needs of Nigerians and reassured citizens that steps are being taken to improve social welfare and economic support.
President Tinubu outlined several initiatives aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians:
Reworking the Social Welfare Scheme: Efforts are being made to ensure that social welfare reaches the ward level, the closest level to the people, to support the poor and vulnerable.
Student Loans: The government will provide loans to cover school fees, ensuring access to education for all children.
Consumer Credit: Financial support will be available for citizens to buy cars and houses, with the option to repay gradually.
Increased Minimum Wage: The minimum wage has been increased by more than 100 percent to help ease the financial burden on workers.
President Tinubu did not hold back in his criticism of the sponsors of the planned protest. He accused them of prioritizing their selfish ambitions over national interest and of having alternative passports and virtual meetings from different parts of the world. “The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship.
The President cautioned against premature politics driven by hate and anger, drawing comparisons to the situation in Sudan. “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 warned.
In his remarks, Sheikh Bala Lau, the leader of the delegation, assured President Tinubu of their support through prayers and increased sensitization efforts. The clerics pledged to stand by the President in his quest to lead Nigeria towards a brighter future.
