President Bola Tinubu has declared his independence from any influential group or individual, stating that he does not take orders from a “cabal” or “moneybag”.
During a meeting with a delegation of Islamic leaders at the Aso Rock Villa on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized that he personally funded his election campaign, implying that he is not beholden to any external interests or benefactors.
“I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune,” the president said
“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.”
Tinubu said the planned nationwide protest could degenerate into violence and set the country backwards, adding that its sponsors do not love the country.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Bala Lau, a sheikh and leader of the delegation, said they would keep praying for peace in the country.
