On Thursday, President Tinubu addressed a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau at the Presidential Villa, highlighting concerns about recent protests and ongoing economic reforms.
Though he did not identify any specific sponsors, President Tinubu suggested that those orchestrating the protests possess alternative passports and conduct virtual meetings globally. “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,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale. “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 President expressed concern that protests fueled by anger and hate could escalate into violence and hinder the nation’s progress. He emphasized the potential dangers of such unrest, facilitated by the internet’s ability to create artificial meeting settings.
During the meeting, President Tinubu also reassured the religious leaders about the transparency of the ongoing economic reforms. He stated that his campaign was self-funded, without obligations to any individual or institution. “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.”
President Tinubu further emphasized the importance of integrity and a good conscience as defenses against corruption. He underscored the need to prioritize the future of Nigerian children and instill values of good and responsible citizenship.
“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 concluded.
