Tinubu defends inherited economy, says Buhari was ‘my partner’

By Lawrence Agbo

President Bola Tinubu has defended the state of the economy he inherited, stating that former President Muhammadu Buhari was his partner, and that in effect, he “took over from himself.”

Tinubu made the remark while hosting the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Abuja, a group tasked with promoting his administration’s policies and reforms nationwide.

“I’ve listened to you. There is the economy. I didn’t have to look back because the truth is, I took over from myself.

“The late (Muhammadu) 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. The life voyage is not going to be easy, and so many of you are traveling with me. I can only stand before you and say you will not regret it.

“That’s why we ask you to renew their hope. If they don’t want to, we will let them see the hope and the roads with the bridges and the children we raise, and the economy we are growing. We lend them ‘jiggy bola’. We will give them eyeglasses.

“I can assure you, whatever you say I do, but one thing that you need from me is a promise that I won’t run away from you. With you, the deal is done. No other thing, whatever we need to do, coordinate from the ward level.”

The President acknowledged existing economic challenges but stressed the need to confront them pragmatically. “If something is wrong, fine, live with it, correct it, move on,” he said, assuring supporters that his administration remains focused on rebuilding and growing the economy.

He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, promising that ongoing reforms would translate into improved infrastructure, better opportunities, and long-term national development.

“That’s why we ask you to renew their hope. If they don’t want to, we will let them see the hope and the roads with the bridges and the children we raise, and the economy we are growing. We lend them ‘jiggy bola’. We will give them eyeglasses.

Tinubu also reassured his supporters of his commitment to leadership, saying he would not abandon the mandate given to him. “I won’t run away from you. With you, the deal is done,” he added.

On the political front, the President took a swipe at opposition figures, urging them to respect democratic principles and the judiciary. He insisted that no amount of political pressure or alleged gang-up would deter his administration from delivering on its promises.

Tinubu further criticised past privatisation efforts under opposition figures, questioning their outcomes and challenging critics to focus on constructive engagement rather than political attacks.

He concluded by reaffirming that despite the difficulties ahead, his administration would remain committed to lifting Nigerians out of poverty and driving sustainable economic growth.