In a passionate defense of his administration’s decision to introduce a unified foreign exchange rate, President Bola Tinubu stated that it was done in the best interest of the nation. During a civic reception organized by the Lagos State Government at the Lagos House, Marina, President Tinubu explained that he could have chosen to maintain multiple foreign exchange systems and benefit personally from it. However, he opted to unify the official and parallel market rates to save the country from financial hemorrhage.
Addressing the audience, President Tinubu drew parallels between the unified foreign exchange rate and his decision to remove fuel subsidies. He emphasized that his actions were driven by the nation’s best interest rather than personal gain. He stated, “I could afford to share the benefit by participating in the arbitrage, but God forbid! That’s not why you voted for me.”
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of taking decisive actions in the early days of his administration. He expressed the need to stop the financial bleeding through the removal of fuel subsidies, stating, “We need to take the steps to stop the bleeding of our finances through speedy action on fuel subsidy. We have no choice.”
In terms of resource management, President Tinubu highlighted the government’s commitment to re-engineer the effectiveness of control and management to meet obligations to Nigerians. He called for the support of governors present at the event to work together in ensuring even development across the country. He stated, “We will work together with an open door policy. We will bring Nigeria from the brink to a resilient economy. I want us to be partners so that we can rescue our land and make it a born-again nation.”
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for organizing the reception and apologized to friends in the audience who had been eager to see him but couldn’t due to the demands of his office. He acknowledged that the assignment at hand was greater than personal comfort, stating, “The assignment is greater than the love of the living room. We got to do the job.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, in his speech, expressed joy and gratitude to God for making President Tinubu the leader of Nigeria. He described him as a competent manager of resources with the ability to turn around the economic fortunes of the country.
Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), pledged the support of state chief executives, regardless of party affiliations, to cooperate and work with the President for the betterment and safety of all citizens. He reiterated their commitment to a renewed hope agenda.
Senator Godswill Akpabio, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, thanked President Tinubu for his leadership in the smooth take-off of the 10th National Assembly. He assured the President of the National Assembly’s full support, stating, “You will succeed. Nigerians are proud of you, and the National Assembly is here for you 100 percent.”
Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, urged governors and Nigerians not to leave the work of remaking Nigeria solely to the President. He emphasized that good governance must be replicated across all 36 states.
Pa Tajudeen Olusi, leader of the Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s emergence, considering the significant contributions of Lagos State to the political evolution of Nigeria. He commended the President’s remarkable first 30 days in office.
The event, attended by serving and former governors from various political parties, demonstrated solidarity with President Tinubu. Notable attendees included Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Godswill Akpabio, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.
The reception highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to the nation’s progress and his call for collaboration among stakeholders to steer Nigeria toward a resilient economy and a brighter future.
