President Bola Tinubu has criticized those sponsoring the planned nationwide protests, claiming they don’t genuinely care about Nigeria.
The president made this statement on Thursday in a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, after eeting with Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau at the Presidential Villa.
Tinubu, who didn’t name any specific sponsors, said the protest leaders hold alternative passports and conduct meetings virtually from various locations around the world.
He stressed that these sponsors lack a true connection to Nigeria and warned that protests driven by anger and hate could lead to violence and harm the country.
“The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports.
“They are in different parts of the world holding meetings virtually. We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan.
“We are talking about hunger, not burials. We have to be careful. We should be careful with premature politics; politics of hate, and anger.
“The internet has made it possible to hold meetings in artificial settings. They hold meetings and sponsor anger,” he said.
The president also reassured the public that his economic reforms are not influenced by any special interest groups.
Tinubu stated that his election campaign was funded solely by his own resources, without any external debt or support.
He emphasized his commitment to serving Nigeria with integrity and focusing on the future of its children.
“I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune.
“At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked. But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President. Mine is to now follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God.
“One of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence against corruption.
“What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of our children. We have a lot to teach them on what it takes to be a good citizen and what it takes to be a responsible citizen,” he said.
KanyiDaily recalls that Nollywood actor, Lege Miami had kicked against the planned protest, urging Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu more time to address the issues in the country.