Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Naira redesign did not affect -Tinubu. President Bola Tinubu recounted on Thursday in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the challenges he faced in the run-up to the general elections in order to realize his presidential dream.
The President addressed at the palace of Ijebuland’s paramount ruler, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ijebu-Ode, on a thank-you visit to the monarch.
Tinubu, who was in Ogun State on a private tour, also paid a call to Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, at his palace in Abeokuta.
Tinubu, who came at 10.18 a.m. on a presidential chopper 5N FG2, Nigeria Air Force, landed at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in the state’s Ijebu-Ode area.
His entourage included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the presidential spokeswoman, Dele Alake.
He was greeted by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former governors of the state Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Segun Osoba, and former House Speaker Dimeji Bankole, among others.
At the palace of Oba Adetona in Ijebu-Ode, Tinubu said his path to Presidency was not easy, adding that he had to invoke the spirit of ‘Baba Emilokan’ to overcome various challenges, including the naira redesign and cashless policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria ahead of the general elections.
“Our funds were confiscated,” Tinubu stated. The Naira (cashless) policy proved ineffective at the time. I realized I came to this palace to inspire the spirit of liberty for which we are known.
“I called on that ghost twice. Baba Emilokan’s spirit. That’s Awujale (baba). He will tell you that he is direct and decisive. The second spirit is that “we will do the election and win whether we have Naira or not.”
In his remarks, Awujale asked Tinubu to be fair to all Nigerians in all he does.
“You have started well; you must continue in that manner,” the monarch added.
“My joy is limitless because I know you will give us the Nigeria of our dreams.”
“It is imperative that you bring positive changes to Nigeria and Nigerians.”
Tinubu, addressing at the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, pleaded with Nigerians to accompany him through what he called the “baby steps of pain.”
“At least, we delivered, despite the hardship of no money and no fuel; I credit you, thank you,” he stated. I’m not sure if it will be like this, but I just wanted to slip in and out to greet Kabiyesi. Now I understand what it’s like to be President.
“By reaching the prayer point of ‘Emi lokan’ and then arriving here, I have fulfilled a pledge that I will return with victory and the crown.”
“Now, what I ask for is prayers that will help the country and we are determined to help our country, to steer the ship of the nation, build a good team, positive for this country and deliver on all the promises that I have made.
“Hope has been recharged; it has arrived.” That hope will not die. That hope will positively revitalize your life.
“I’m still here making that campaign pledge that there is no difference between us and any members of the Nigerian family.”
“I saw that in France during this discussion, and we are the children of the same parents, living in the same house, just recognize that.”
“Let us be united, no distractions, and we will arrive at our destination, a positive destination for this country, and it is all in our hands to make history, I promise.”
“We will see positive changes as we move forward; just go through these baby steps of pain, baby steps of pain, I’m taking baby steps as President, not marching in a hurry, being ready to listen, maintaining an open-door policy, allowing freedom to flow, and restoring confidence in Nigeria.”
“This country is the only one we have.” I’ve been a refugee, I know what it’s like to be a refugee in another country, and I still have my green passport.
“We need your prayers, your support, and your interventions to persuade our people to change their minds, so that the economic prosperity of this country can benefit all of us.”