President Bola Tinubu has described his predecessor, late President Muhammadu Buhari, as his partner.
Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu said he had taken responsibility for the current state of the economy, describing late President Muhammadu Buhari as his partner in governance.
According to him, he took over from himself because he and Buhari are the same.
He said. “I didn’t have to look back on the economy because the truth is, I took over from myself.
“The late Buhari was me. He was my partner. And if I took over from him. Is that not from me? So, if something is wrong, fine. Live with it, correct it, move on.”
According to the president, the political and economic structures that have long undermined Nigerians’ prosperity are being replaced through economic realignment.
The president acknowledged that the journey would not be easy but assured that the reforms would ultimately be worthwhile.
He added that those who fail to recognise the administration’s efforts would be made to see them, saying, “If they don’t want to see the hope… we shall lend them ‘Jigi-Bola’, eyeglasses.”
Tinubu urged the ambassadors to intensify grassroots mobilisation.
“You represent the conscience of a nation that wants to break the shackles of poverty and hopelessness,” he said.
The president added that his administration would uphold democratic principles, including the rule of law, separation of powers and citizens’ rights.
“We cannot submit to disobedience of a lawful order of the court; we must embrace the judiciary, whether it favours us or not.
“There’s no other path for us to attain national greatness other than to build one common vision for the progress and prosperity of our people. That is what we must do,” he said.
He reiterated that his government is focused on inclusive growth, youth opportunities and ensuring that every Nigerian has a stake in the country’s future, while urging citizens not to be swayed by misinformation from opposition elements.
