President Bola Tinubu has alleged that powerful interests benefiting from fuel subsidy payments and multiple foreign exchange rates are unhappy with his administration’s economic reforms and would prefer him dead because of the policies introduced since he assumed office in 2023.
Tinubu made the remarks during the launch of “The NADECO Story on Friday,” a book authored by NADECO chieftain, Ayo Opadokun, at an event commemorating 32 years of the body in Lagos.
Key Highlights:
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu said powerful groups affected by his economic reforms are unhappy with his administration.
- His remarks were delivered during a National Democratic Coalition anniversary event in Lagos.
- Tinubu said his government would continue its economic reforms despite opposition.
- He promised greater benefits for Nigerians if given a second term in office.
- The event also highlighted the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists during Nigeria’s military era.
Tinubu’s message was delivered by former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, who represented him at the ceremony.
According to Osoba, Tinubu said certain cabals that previously profited from subsidy regimes and exchange rate manipulation were responsible for attempts to destabilise the country after his administration moved to block what he described as entrenched financial interests.
Despite the alleged pressure from powerful groups, the president maintained that his government would remain committed to implementing reforms aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s economy.
Tinubu also reportedly assured Nigerians that greater benefits would come if he secures a second term in office, explaining that his administration is currently prioritising economic recovery and insecurity before embarking on wider political reforms.
The anniversary event attracted several notable personalities including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, democracy activists, politicians, journalists, and veterans of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
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Speakers at the gathering reflected on the sacrifices made by members of NADECO and other pro-democracy groups during the military era of the 1990s.
Soyinka, while speaking at the event, praised the book for preserving the history of the democratic struggle against military dictatorship in Nigeria.
The Nobel Laureate also disclosed that late human rights activist Beko Ransome-Kuti once contemplated assassinating former military ruler Sani Abacha during the height of the pro-democracy movement, but said he personally discouraged the idea.
Osoba also recounted how he narrowly escaped assassination attempts during the Abacha regime because of his active involvement in the fight for democratic governance.
During the ceremony, several media organisations, civil society groups, and democracy advocates were recognised and honoured for their contributions to the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.
