President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that his administration would ensure that Nigeria was reformed to perform with greater efficiency, fairness and equity in all spheres of national life.
He spoke during a courtesy call at the home of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday.
Speaking on behalf of Afenifere, Chief Olu Falae, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who read the address of Pa Fasoranti, commended President Tinubu for fulfilling a pre-election promise.
“You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word,” the elder statesman stated.”
However, that pre-election romance between Fasoranti and Tinubu split Afenifere, as another stream under Chief Ayo Adebanjo declared support for the rival Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
Speaking of his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity, Tinubu said: ”Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.
”We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity.”
According to the Nigerian President, the task before him was to ensure fiscal and true Federalism.
He said: “The economic challenges we have endured since assuming office are not new to me. As the former governor of Lagos State, I faced similar calls for my resignation. But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.
“I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria’s interests, and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused.
“We cannot allow Nigeria’s economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently,” he stated.
Fasoranti enjoined Tinubu to deal fairly and courageously, declaring that such traits were the hallmark of the Yoruba and Afenifere family.
“Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible,” he said.
