President Bola Tinubu has highlighted the bullying as well as the significant political and legal challenges he faced on the path to becoming the country’s president.
He spoke at his Lagos residence on Friday while playing host to members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“I have heard the remarks; the joy is in the heart. And the fact that we pushed together at the time I faced the challenges of trying to become the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It was very challenging. It was tough for those who were at the party with me. Some kept faith, and instead of dodging the bullets, I took it. I took the punch in the chin, a very hard one,” he said.
Tinubu narrated that he remained committed to his ambition despite the obstacles and did not reveal his strategy to many people during the campaign.
“I stayed the course in the efforts to campaign. I didn’t disclose to anybody what I would do. Many of you took the risks and went along because of the party platform and everything.
“We survived. We faced litigations and accusations. We survived it. Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. It’s growing. Agriculture is booming. Food is here,” he declared.
The president thanked the governors for supporting his administration and helping to sustain public confidence in the government amid economic reforms.
“Many of you have survived and promoted the perseverance of many of our people, asking them to trust in this government, and you built that trust around my leadership. I thank you very much,” he said.
He added that the country’s economy has recovered as states no longer rely on federal bailouts to pay salaries.
According to Tinubu, “I am glad that out of the 27 governors borrowing from the federal government, asking for interventions and all what not to survive and to pay salaries, that is no more.”
