Follow Us on Google
• Expresses determination to ignore Trump
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has told members of The Buhari Organisation (TBO), led by the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Almakura, that he had met his revenue target for the year through the non-oil sector ahead of schedule.
He also said he would remain focused on Nigeria’s progress, despite external pressures, including actions from President Donald Trump of the United States of America.
Addressing the political family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari recently, Tinubu reflected on the early political alliance with Buhari, emphasising mutual respect and dedication to a progressive government. “Let me first apologise for coming late. That’s the difference between Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu. If it were him, he would be here right on time,” Tinubu joked, before thanking participants, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, Almakura and others.
He recounted the challenges they encountered at the beginning of their alliance, noting the spirited debates they had on the party’s symbol. “He insisted on parliament and I insisted on a broom. He’s so stubborn,” he stated.
President Tinubu encouraged his supporters not to be swayed by threats but to draw strength from unity and shared belief in a progressive government that is building on Buhari’s legacy. “Don’t worry about the threats. When I see people like you, my determination is to work harder,” he said.
Highlighting economic achievements, he declared the stabilisation of the Nigerian economy, with exchange rates improving from N1900 per dollar to N1450 at present. “The economy is stabilised; nobody is trading pieces of paper for exchange rate anymore. When I took over, it was N1900 to a dollar. It’s N1,450 now. Rates have been stabilising now,” he said, promising continued efforts to create jobs through export, import and industrial growth.
Other News
“Nigeria is not borrowing. We have met our revenue target for the year and we met it in August,” he added.
Projecting confidence against international challenges, he dismissed concerns over President Trump’s activities, saying, “If non oil revenue is going, we then have no fear of whatever Trump is doing on the other side.”
He revealed plans for a large mechanisation programme across all regions to boost food sovereignty and security, which is key to eradicating poverty.
He closed with a pledge rooted in Buhari’s principles, saying, “Part of what we inherited from Buhari was his honesty, transparency and justice; that’s all. You won’t have anything less than that. You will have joy at the end of this journey and we will definitely put something together to build a Buhari House; that house will be a house of joy and prosperity.”
Almakura, on behalf of TBO, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for honouring the late Buhari with dignity and full military honours during his burial, saying, “When our leader passed on, the nation grieved and mourned. At that point, you became a symbol of consolation as you presided over the entire procedure of his passage.”
Almakura emphasised the shared vision between Tinubu and Buhari for a disciplined, just and economically sovereign Nigeria, urging continued security efforts and full support for Tinubu and the APC’s vision toward 2027.
Abass assured Tinubu of unconditional support from former members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He praised Tinubu’s role in partnership with Buhari, which turned the CPC dream into reality and expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s support during Buhari’s burial proceedings. “We are together today with you, tomorrow and forever,” Abass affirmed, promising that the CPC members across states would mobilise support for Tinubu’s administration and 2027 re-election efforts.
