President Bola Tinubu last night revealed how the economic crisis triggered by the naira redesign policy nearly forced him to quit the 2023 presidential race.
Speaking at a special Iftar at the State House in Abuja, the President recounted how a conversation with a close relative almost made him reconsider his ambition.
The Iftar coincided with his 73rd birthday and he used the opportunity to express appreciation to Nigerians for their outpouring of goodwill and prayers during the birthday.
Tinubu at yesterday’s Iftar thanked guests for their presence, prayers, and contributions to the nation’s development.
His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted him as acknowledging the challenges he faced in the presidential race and reaffirming his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s progress.
At the Iftar were First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, principal officers of the National Assembly, current and former governors, diplomats, business leaders, religious figures, and some of the President’s childhood friends.
Dr. Abdulkadir Sholagberu, Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, led special prayers seeking divine guidance and continued progress for the President and the nation.
Reflecting on the challenges of the 2023 presidential race,Tinubu spoke of when he contemplated withdrawing from the contest following an encounter with a close relative.
“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle,” he said.
“He told me, ‘the currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?’
“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.'”
The President said that his uncle later called to confirm receiving the money but admitted that he had only given the messenger N10,000, keeping the rest.
“I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me. When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back.'”
President Tinubu noted that he assumed office during a time of economic uncertainty and had to take immediate, difficult decisions, including removing fuel subsidy.
“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he said.
Noting that Nigeria had reached a point of no return on the issue, the President said: “The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time. That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone. The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future.”
Vice President Shettima lauded the President’s sacrifices, stating that history would remember him as the leader who took on the nation’s most complex challenges.
“Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.
“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.
“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face. But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort. It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices,” he said.