President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that the ongoing economic reforms are free from manipulation by any interest group.
Speaking at the State House on Thursday, during a meeting with a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau, President Tinubu emphasised that his campaign was self-financed, without any obligations to individuals or institutions.
“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.
“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,’’ the President stated.
The president spoke as organisers rallied on social media for a protest against economic hardship.
The call and clamour for protests have garnered significant public interest and concern.
As the calls for protests began to gain ground, the Federal Government, governors and the security establishment have been trying to dissuade organisers from going ahead with the protest.
On Wednesday, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held a meeting in Abuja, starting Wednesday night and ending early Thursday.
He attributed his election victory to divine intervention, meticulous planning, and widespread support from Nigerians.
Tinubu stressed that a clear conscience is a powerful defense against corruption and emphasised the importance of considering the future of Nigerian children, teaching them good citizenship and responsibility.
The President warned against protests driven by anger and hate, cautioning that such actions could escalate into violence and hinder the nation’s progress.
He outlined efforts to enhance social welfare schemes, ensuring they reach the grassroots level, and announced significant measures to support education and consumer credit.
“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 elaborated.
President Tinubu criticized the sponsors of protests, accusing them of placing personal ambitions above national interests and lacking genuine patriotism.
He highlighted the dangers of premature and divisive politics.
Tinubu said, “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.”
Sheikh Bala Lau, leader of the delegation, assured the President of their support through prayers and increased public awareness.
“Peace is paramount for us in the country. The first thing Abraham asked God for was peace and guidance,” Sheikh Lau remarked.
