Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged Nigerians to bear with the discomfort arising from his reforms, saying that it is temporary.
He said ‘Renewed Hope’, which emphasizes his campaign promises, will be faithfully implemented and bring relieve to the masses.
President Tinubu reiterated his determination to turn the country around during his thank you visit to Ogun State.
At the palaces of the Awujale Oba Sikiru Adetona, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, he admonished Nigerians to demonstrate the virtue of good citizenship by cooperating with his reform-driven administration.
Eminent Nigerians including business mogul Dr. Mike Adeniyi Adenuga, Chairman of Globacom Nigeria Limited, former Ogun States Governor Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel and former Deputy Governor Adegbenga Kaka, were among dignitaries that received him at Ijebu-Ode.
The President, who flew in chopper from Lagos, was accompanied by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.
President Tinubu also defended his victory, recalling that during the February 25 poll, he triumphed over the ineffective cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The President, who recalled that he had been a refugee in the past, said Nigerians should be proud of their citizenship.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, the President, who promised to fulfill his promises, appealed for prayers from the residents of Ogun State to ensure progress and stability in the country.
He said: “I have redeemed my pledge that I will come back with victory and the crown.
“The hope is recharged; the hope is here. That hope will never fail. That hope will recharge your lives in a positive manner.
“By the grace of Almighty God, we shall reap the fruits of our labour, Nigeria will see positive change, just endure these baby steps of pain.
“This country is the only one we have. I have been a refugee and I know what it means to be a refugee and my green passport is what I still have now.”
At Awujale’s palace, President Tinubu said he was optimistic about victory in the last election, despite the ineffective cashless policy implemented by the CBN.
Reflecting on the challenges in the build-up to the poll, the President recounted his concerns about the confiscation of funds and the failure of the cashless policy, and how he had previously sought wisdom and guidance from Oba Adetona during his visit to the palace.
The President said he had invoked the spirits of freedom and determination, symbolised by ”Baba Emilokan”, to overcome the obstacles.
Tinubu said: “Our monies were confiscated. The cashless policy didn’t work. It was terrible then. I realised that I came to Ogun State to invoke the spirit of freedom, which we are noted for.
“I invoked that spirit twice. The spirit of Baba Emilokan. That’s Baba. Being blunt, being decisive, that’s him, he will tell you. The second spirit is that money or no money, we will do the election and we will win.”
President Tinubu, who maintained that these spirits had been the driving force behind his service, thanked Oba Adetona, other monarchs, elected officials, particularly his ‘personal friend’, Gbenga Daniel, the senator representing Ogun East, for their loyalty and commitment during those crucial times.
Turning to Oba Adetona, Tinubu described his visit to Ijebu-Ode as a homecoming.
“The way you have taken me, the way you have responded to me, all I can say is thank you. May you live long and may you witness a prosperous Nigeria.”
The president also acknowledged the presence of Globacom Chairman, Chief Mike Adenuga, hailing his contributions to the economy.
In Abeokuta, President Tinubu thanked Oba Gbadebo, describing him as a great leader.
In separate remarks at Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun thanked the President for the visit, describing him as a man of uncommon grace and a living testimony of resilience.
Noting that Tinubu is a visionary, the governor said his pronouncement in the first few weeks in office have defined that he was prepared and qualified for office.
Oba Adetona and Oba Gbadebo, in separate remarks in their palaces, commended President Tinubu for his leadership, acknowledging him as an instrument of God chosen to rectify past shortcomings.
They offered prayers for the President’s guidance and good health, urging Nigerians to support his administration.
Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Akaraigbo of Remoland, who commended the President for hitting the ground running, said that the people needed urgent palliatives to mitigate the effects of the current challenges.
He lauded the wise decisions so far taken by the administration, reminding the President of his promise to bring development to Remo.
Oba Ajayi added: “I remember when you came to the palace and all we said is our dream is for you to go and win the primaries, and that once you win the primaries, I’m sure that God will take us there. I’m glad that God took us there.
“I want to remind you of what you said when you came to Remo. You said with the proximity of Shagamu to Lagos, you were surprised at the level of development in Remo. This is the time Mr President to walk that talk.”
