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Aviation entrepreneur and political activist, Isaac Balami, has clarified his recent comments on the state of affairs in Nigeria, alleging that his message was taken out of context in a manner that suited the opposition’s narrative.
Expressing sympathy for Nigerians struggling with the country’s economic challenges, Balami said he could never be insensitive to their pain. He, however, insisted that his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained unwavering despite the criticisms trailing his recent comments.
Balami, in a statement, said his personal success and political convictions would not make him insensitive to the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, adding that he remained confident in Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope agenda.
He also called for an end to the politics of bitterness, urging Nigerians to channel their energy into nation-building rather than attacking people with different political opinions.
He said, “I have listened to the reactions to my recent statement, read the criticisms and reflected on the disappointment expressed by many Nigerians. I owe my fellow citizens honesty, not excuses.
“I sincerely regret if my words created the impression that I am insensitive to the economic realities confronting ordinary Nigerians. Nothing could be further from the truth. I know that families are struggling, parents are making painful sacrifices, young graduates are searching for opportunities, and businesses are battling to survive. These are real pains, and nobody’s personal success should make them invisible.
“However, I must also address how the video of my speech was presented. King Tunde Ednut reported and circulated the video without the full context of my message. I believe the presentation may have been influenced by his perspective as someone who has openly positioned himself in opposition to the government.
“Let me be unequivocal. I remain a firm and committed supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I believe in his leadership, the difficult reforms he has undertaken and the possibility of national redemption through the Renewed Hope agenda.
“I understand that economic reforms are not always painless, particularly in a country with Nigeria’s challenges. Transforming an economy requires difficult decisions, consistency and time. We cannot expect decades of structural problems to disappear overnight.
“I believe there are encouraging signs that the reforms are beginning to create new possibilities for Nigeria. The outlook is becoming more hopeful, and we must give the process the consistency it requires while insisting that the government accelerates the delivery of relief to ordinary Nigerians.
“We must be careful not to abandon the journey just when the first signs of a better destination are beginning to emerge. Abandoning the current reform direction halfway through could set Nigeria back by four years or more, undoing progress and plunging the country into another cycle of policy reversals, uncertainty and lost opportunities.
“We cannot afford to keep starting all over again. We have made sacrifices, difficult decisions have been taken, and our responsibility now is to consolidate progress, correct shortcomings and ensure that the benefits of these reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.
“Patience must not mean silence, and support must not mean complacency. We must demand results while giving necessary reforms the consistency they need to succeed.
“I also want to make something clear about my commitment to Nigeria. Unlike those who hide abroad and engage in politics by constantly running down the country, I have chosen to remain actively involved in building the Nigeria I believe in. Although my family is abroad, my commitment is here. I am investing my energy, resources, influence and time in the future of this country.
“We must not allow political differences or hatred for any administration to become an excuse for destroying Nigeria’s image and undermining its future. No level of hatred for an opposition or political leader should be enough to make anyone deliberately destroy the future of our country.
“Every well-meaning Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, must reject the politics of bitterness. Being in the opposition should not translate into animosity, hatred or a determination to pull down everyone who holds a different political opinion.
“I have experienced both sides of the political divide. In 2023, I worked for Peter Obi and the Labour Party with the same passion, energy and conviction with which I am now working for President Tinubu. Why was I not subjected to this level of personal attacks when I supported the opposition? Why has choosing a different political direction suddenly become an offence?
“My political choices are based on my convictions and my vision for Nigeria. People are free to disagree with me, but they should not abuse my decision or attempt to destroy my reputation simply because my political journey has taken a different direction. They should respect my right to make that choice, just as I respect theirs.
“My contribution to national development also goes beyond politics, political endorsements and election campaigns. Nation-building is not just about campaigning for leaders; it is about investing in people, creating opportunities and transforming lives.
“My record in this regard speaks for itself.
“My foundation began 20 years ago, and since then, I have dedicated a significant part of my life to investing in people and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
“When I turned 40 over two years ago, I deliberately chose not to celebrate with an extravagant birthday jamboree. Instead, I committed 100 per cent scholarships to 40 air hostesses, 40 flight dispatchers, 40 aircraft planners and 40 aircraft engineers.
“That was how I chose to celebrate my milestone: by investing in the dreams and futures of 160 young Nigerians.
“Look at the young people I have trained, mentored, empowered and given opportunities to. Look at my investments in aviation, education and youth development. My connection and popularity among young Nigerians did not happen overnight. They are the product of years of sacrifice, investment, engagement and genuine commitment to their future.
“I have invested in people because I believe Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil, gas or mineral deposits, but its people, especially its young population. I intend to continue doing so.
“Rather than engage in endless bitterness and attacks against people with different political convictions, I encourage Nigerians to demonstrate their patriotism through investments, service, empowerment and contributions that make life better for others. Let our actions speak louder than our political disagreements.
“I am not ashamed of my support for President Tinubu, and I will not abandon my conviction because of criticism. I can acknowledge the pain of Nigerians and still believe in the President’s vision. I can demand better performance from the government while standing firmly behind its direction.
“My support for Tinubu is firm. My empathy for struggling Nigerians is genuine. My investment in our people is real. And my commitment to Nigeria is non-negotiable.
“I do not expect Nigerians to agree with every political position I hold. But I ask that they judge me not merely by a video clip, my political choices or where I live, but by my actions, my investments, the lives I have touched and the opportunities I have created.
“I believe in Nigeria. I believe in the Renewed Hope agenda. And I stand firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because I believe our country deserves a chance at national redemption.
“Let us stop the politics of bitterness. Let us stop weaponising political differences. Let us build rather than destroy, invest rather than attack, and give Nigeria a future bigger than our individual political interests.”
