President Bola Tinubu has laid emphasis on fairness and equity as the main objective of his reforms, since assuming power in May 2023.
He said this in an address to the leaders of the Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, at Founder Reuben Fasoranti’s residence in Akure on February 28.
The Commander-in-chief of the Federation reassured Nigerians on his dedication toward economic prosperity in the country.
The President also took responsibility for the deteriorating economic situation, reiterating that he will not shy away from it and that Nigerians will soon put it behind them.
He said ”Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.
”We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity,”
President Tinubu promised to focus on true fiscal federalism to reform Nigeria, emphasizing that “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander”
He recognized the understanding of Nigerians in this phase of hardship, promising that these circumstances, though severe, are only temporary, and that their patience will yield fruit.
President Tinubu assures Nigerians that he is familiar with the current economic challenges, and likened the current calls for his removal to his time as Lagos State Governor where the state also faced some hardship in the early months, but today Lagos is the fifth-largest economy in Africa.
The President also vowed not to let Nigeria’s economy be exploited by marauders, or abandoned, reassuring Nigerians of his determination to restructure the country’s financial situation and permanently curtail selfish interests.
A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pa Olu Falae, who spoke on behalf of Afenifere, commended Tinubu’s commitment to the nation’s progress.
“You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word,” Pa Falae stated.
Fasoranti urged the President to continue to represent the Afenifere family with fairness and courage.
“Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible,” he said.
