President Bola Tinubu has allayed fears of manipulation by any interest group in the ongoing economic reforms by his government.
He asserted that his campaign was self-sponsored, without obligations to any individual or institution.
Speaking at the State House on Thursday, while receiving a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Bala Lau, President Tinubu said his victory at the polls was purely by divine intervention, careful planning, and diligence in garnering support from 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 said.
The President emphasized that one of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience, which also serves as a defence against corruption. He underscored the importance of focusing on the future of Nigeria’s children and teaching them the values of good and responsible citizenship.
President Tinubu warned that protests, if fueled by anger and hate, could degenerate into violence and set the country back.
He assured that his administration is reworking the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, aiming to provide allowances to the poor and vulnerable, and support for education through student loans and monetary aid.
Additionally, he mentioned plans for consumer credit to help citizens buy cars and houses, which they can repay gradually, and highlighted a more than 100 percent increase in the minimum wage.
He criticized the sponsors of protests, claiming they place their selfish ambitions above the national interest and have alternative passports, holding virtual meetings from different parts of the world.
“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.
In his remarks, Bala Lau assured the President of support with prayers and more sensitisation efforts.
“Peace is paramount for us in the country. The first thing Abraham asked God for was peace and guidance,” Lau said.
