SUNDAY March 30, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
Nigeria’s 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, according to TheNATION.
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.
His predecessor, General Muhammadu Buhari reminisced on his relationship with Tinubu and said he was proud of the deep bond between them.
Buhari ,in a telephone chat with the president to congratulate him on his 73rd birthday was full of praise for him for his contributions to the country.
Ex-military president ,General Ibrahim Babangida said Tinubu’s leadership intervention thus far, has been “very remarkable, bold, resilient and encouraging.”
More congratulatory messages for the president also came yesterday from the Ooni of Ife ,Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi,state governors and other members of the political class as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa who credited Tinubu’s leadership role with what he called the military’s recent successes against terrorism and other security challenges in the country.
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.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the President’s ability to forgive and his relentless passion for national development.
Akpabio described the President as a leader who thinks outside the box and as the ‘most audacious president’ in the country’s history.
He said that, under Tinubu’s watch, governors are getting more allocation.
“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he said.
House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, described President Tinubu as a leader who has broken barriers and uplifted future Nigerian politicians.
He noted that the President had taken the backseat to raising leaders for decades.
“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment. Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” he said.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State commended the President’s decisive leadership at a time when Nigeria needed stability.
“Only a leader with deep conviction and love for the country could have taken the bold and yet necessary decisions that averted national collapse and now restoring hope and confidence across the federation,” he said.
Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijjani shared his personal experience of being appointed by President Tinubu despite his past activism.
“Before my appointment, I had never met Mr. President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve,’” he said.
The minister recounted a recent meeting at the World Bank, where a senior official described President Tinubu as the best reformist leader in Africa today.
Professor Shaffideen Adeniyi Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President, reminisced about their early years and how divine providence led Tinubu to the presidency.
“Our relationship did not just start in Chicago; we played soccer together as children. While I chose the library, my brother chose politics because he loved to speak. Today, Allah has shown His greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria.
“The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation on earth. I pray that Allah continues to hold his hand and guide him as he works to save our country,” he said.
Former President Buhari in the telephone chat with Tinubu prayed and wished him long life, good health and success for his administration.
“When we pray for our leaders, we are praying for ourselves and the nation. We owe this to ourselves and the nation,” Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, quoted him yesterday as telling Tinubu.
Buhari added that his family and himself remain indebted to Tinubu and the other leaders of the party for the invaluable contributions they made toward the formation of All Progressives Congress (APC), catapulting him to the presidency for two terms after failed attempts in the past, and helping to produce another APC administration with the Asiwaju himself at its head.
He added:“ No doubt, the annals of the country will not be complete without bringing into mention, and a recognition of the varied and numerous roles of President Tinubu as an entrepreneur, a party stalwart, a staunch activist, party organizer, party builder, a reliable ally and a serial winner of democratic elections. I am truly proud of my association with the Asiwaju.
“When Nigerians handed the baton of leadership to the APC in 2015, it was a mandate to lay the foundation for a new Nigeria where the poor get opportunities for a better future and I am glad that the vision is not lost. It was a victory of all those who wish the country’s good.”
He also used the opportunity to wish the president, his family, and the nation a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and a happy and joyful Eid el Fitri.
Asiwaju of the universe, happy birthday —-IBB.
General Babangida said a result-driven and utility leader like Tinubu “fits the present challenges especially with the kind of innovations and policy thrust of your administration, so far.’
His message: “There comes a time in the life of a nation when uncommon personality and courageous disposition forms the basis for appreciating the essentials of problem-solving leadership. With your rich background in the struggle for the emancipation of the ordinary Nigerian, coupled with your commitment to deepening democratic values in Nigeria, your history speaks for your persona.
“At a time like this, when your birthday strikes the right chord, it is gratifying to join millions of your admirers, associates, supporters and fellow Nigerians to celebrate you with a pat on the back. You have come to lead Nigeria at a very trying time in our nation’s history, but your leadership intervention thus far, has been very remarkable, bold, resilient and encouraging. Only those who have been there know exactly the grit required to lead Nigeria and Nigerians.
“Mr. President, let me assure you of my support and solidarity always. Even though the challenges facing us as a nation may be daunting, you have shown equal commitment to contend with the realities that stare us in the face. I can easily recollect when our paths crossed in the late eighties when the government I ran was trying to birth democracy.
“You have remained consistent to your ideals, principles and democratic values till date, reason why Nigerians entrusted you with the mandate to lead them at this auspicious moment.
“A result-driven and utility leader like you fits the present challenges especially with the kind of innovations and policy thrust of your administration, so far. You must not be tired or discouraged in providing the desired leadership to move the country forward. You have shown grit, gusto and gravitas in your leadership emanations, and the courage you have exemplified speaks to your capacity to take uncommon decisions.
“Mr. President and the Asiwaju of the Universe, as I fondly call you, congratulations on your 73rd birthday celebrations. On behalf of Aisha, Muha, Aminu and Halima, accept our collective felicitations on this special day. This is happening at the Holy month of Ramadan. It is an indication of Allah’s abiding mercy and love for you. May Allah accept our supplications and grant you good health and more wisdom to help you chart the way forward for our dear country. Congratulations Mr. President. Many happy returns.”
