I can’t be scared off, Tinubu dares opposition
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- President Bola Tinubu declared he will not be intimidated by opposition or pressure regarding his administration's reforms.
- He asserted his legitimacy as President Buhari's successor and promised not to yield despite criticism over economic hardship and insecurity.
- Tinubu urged respect for the judiciary and constitutional order, emphasizing the need to build a united Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong rebuttal to his critics, vowing to remain steadfast in his reform agenda despite mounting pressure and intimidation from opposition figures and segments of civil society. Speaking at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu framed his administration's policies as necessary corrections, even suggesting a continuity with his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, whom he referred to as a "partner."
They want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I’ve been through this path before, and if I have to come back over and over and over again, I’ll do the same thing.
Tinubu's remarks, delivered during a meeting with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political mobilization network, directly addressed concerns about the pace and impact of his reforms, which critics argue have exacerbated economic hardship and insecurity. He dismissed accusations that his agenda is a "classic scam," as alleged by a former ally, and instead projected an image of resilience, drawing parallels to his past political battles.
There is no better place than your own country, and no one can build it except you.
"They want to scare me off? It's a lie. I've been through this path before, and if I have to come back over and over and over again, I'll do the same thing," Tinubu declared, projecting an unyielding stance. He emphasized that nation-building is a collective responsibility, stating, "There is no better place than your own country, and no one can build it except you."
Whatever you say I do, but one thing that you need from me is a promise that I won’t run away from this fight. With you, the deal is done.
Crucially, the President also underscored the importance of democratic principles, calling for respect for the judiciary and the constitutional order. This appeal comes amidst a political climate where legal challenges and public discourse often intersect. From our perspective, Tinubu's message is one of defiance and determination, signaling his intent to push forward with his agenda, regardless of the opposition's efforts. The Punch will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of these developments, reflecting the diverse viewpoints within Nigeria.
I took over from myself. The late Buhari is me. He was a partner. If I took over from him, is that not from myself? So if something is wrong, fine, live with it, correct it, move on.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.