*Says his Administration is Taking Sure, Solid Steps to Economic Prosperity

By Festus Fifen.

Amidst Protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress and affiliate unions in different locations within Nigeria on Wednesday, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu said the current economic challenges being faced in the country will soon be a thing of the past as his administration making concerted effort to reverse the current economic reality in the country.

The President who stated this in Akure while addressing Afenifere leaders in the home of Pa Reuben Fasoranti the leader of the Pan Yoruba Cultural Group said the current challenges of the economy since his assumption of office are not new to him as he is working hard to fix the nation’s economy in the earliest time possible.

The president emphasised that one of the ways to come out of the current economic situation is for Nigerians to grow what is consumed locally in order to reduce importation of goods and services.

In his words, ” all I have been doing is to re-engineer the finances of this country and take away the benefit of bootlickers who are selfishly draining Nigeria, including Smuggler, how can we abandon our economy and future to those marauders? take it by the horn and then they will fight back but I don’t care.

” I didn’t borrow a penny from anybody for my campaign and I was not financed by any political party for the campaign, not even my own party. I went solo for it.
So that I will be able to do what I must do for this country and luckily I was elected.”

Speaking on the request of the Pan Yoruba Cultural Group Afenifere for a restructured Nigeria, the President said, ” I have listened to the message that you have given me, the assignment, bold assignment for restructuring of Nigeria for fiscal and true federalism, the philosophy of what is good for the goose is good for the gander. We are going to carry it out but what I am saying is that we need baby steps so that we don’t fall and break our bones.

” I don’t blame anybody. Bravery, courage, perseverance, consistency is the solution an individual needs to lead a country like Nigeria out of problems. I thank you sirs. Many of you here to continue to stay the course and tell our people we go back to the farm, feed ourselves, grow what we eat, don’t depend on other people, we are going to continue to do this, we are not looking back. Nigeria will survive this, there is a bright light at the end of this tunnel. I am sure pa Olufalae knows this, we follow some of his philosophy in economics, progressive economic programme. ”

” Baba I just came to assure you and the rest of our group to remain relaxed. Abuse doesn’t do anything to me, I asked for the job, am not complaining, i campaigned for it, I danced for it, i prayed for it, i got it and I am taking responsibility.”

While emphasising that he is meeting his obligation to international community and also not defaulting to lenders, president added that he will turn the twists and bends to strengthen the road of prosperity and hope of Nigeria.