President Bola Tinubu yesterday promised harsh consequences for persons who pit themselves against Nigerias sovereignty and security.
Tinubu stated his administration’s position when he received leaders of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, at the State House in Abuja yesterday.
The President also said his administration has made considerable gains against banditry and kidnapping through intensified campaigns buoyed by intelligence-gathering. Those who think they can threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria will have themselves to blame. They have a price to pay. And we are not going to relent, he stressed
The leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Olu Falae, and other eminent citizens led the delegation.
The Presidents Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed details of yesterdays talks in a statement titled: ‘President Tinubu receives leaders of Afenifere, says the administration is resolute in achieving economic security in a fair and equitable system for all Nigerians‘.
Speaking on security, the President declared that those who threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria would pay a heavy price.
He affirmed, I am irrevocably committed to the unity of Nigeria and constitutional democracy. Constitutional democracy has been reflected greatly here since we assumed office. What we face now is the challenge of terrorism.
Banditry and kidnapping will be defeated. And there is no payment of ransom whatsoever. We are taking the battle to them. We are getting results more rapidly than before. We are working hard on intelligence gathering.
Security of life and property is very necessary for development. I can tell you we are achieving success. We have degraded terrorism to a level that they cannot threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria any longer”.
The President said his administration is re-engineering Nigerias finances and seeking to boost citizens purchasing power and spread prosperity by instituting a credit system where the element of cash does not impede a significantly enhanced standard of living for all citizens.
He argued that Nigeria must first secure itself economically before achieving any of its more sophisticated objectives. According to Tinubu, this would require first retooling, revamping the economic opportunities available, and continuing to take the necessary firm, steady baby steps.
He assured the Yoruba leaders that his administration would emphasise the Consumer Credit Scheme and provide allowances for the unemployed to reduce the high unemployment rate.
He thanked the delegation for their prayers and support, assuring them he would not relent in his resolve to advance Nigeria. God bless Nigeria. God bless our unity; our diversity must bring prosperity for all for the sake of Nigeria, Tinubu concluded.
Earlier in his remarks, Olu Falae commended the President for his courageous decisions, the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, and other critical ongoing projects.
Falae urged the President not to relent in ensuring fairness and equity for all Nigerians while noting the importance of a constitutional amendment to devolve more powers to the states.
Describing President Tinubu as the most important political figure in Africa, the monarch conveyed the elders expectations of him to lead the country with knowledge, courage and integrity.
We do not doubt that your tenure will mark a turning point in the history of our country. Under your leadership, Nigeria will be repositioned, he said.
Recall that some suspected Yoruba ‘nation’ agitators invaded the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, in Ibadan, the state capital, which sent panic to the residents and road users along the routes.
Businesses and residents around Bodija, Ikolaba, and Awolowo were said to have quickly locked their shops and doors as some who were about to open for the days business turned back.
