President Bola Tinubu has alleged that individuals who benefited from fuel subsidy and multiple foreign exchange regimes are among those sponsoring terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria.
Tinubu stated this on Wednesday in Lagos during the launch of the book, NADECO Story, and an award presentation ceremony for pro-democracy activists organised by the National Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition, Ayo Opadokun.
The President, who was represented by former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, said vested interests affected by the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange market were resisting his administration’s reforms.
According to him, some of the affected individuals were attempting to destabilise the country because they had lost access to the old economic system.
“The President is aware that there is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace of the country by those he knew he had offended by cancelling the multiple exchange rate regime and removing fuel subsidy,” Osoba said.
Tinubu maintained that the major concerns of his administration remain the economy and security, describing both as crucial to Nigeria’s survival.
He also said political issues would receive greater attention after the government successfully addresses economic and security challenges.
Osoba noted that despite opposition from entrenched interests, the President remained committed to sustaining reforms aimed at repositioning the economy.
He added that Tinubu believed the reforms were already yielding results, citing the narrowing gap between official and parallel foreign exchange markets.
“You can see the difference between the parallel and the official markets is virtually zero. The naira, which was about N2,000 to one dollar, is now around N1,380,” he said.
Speaking further, Osoba disclosed that Tinubu promised to implement more demands of pro-democracy activists if re-elected for a second term.
“The president has asked me to tell you that, by the grace of God, many of what you have been asking him to do, he would start implementing when he gets his second term,” he stated.
The event, held at the Muson Centre in Lagos, was attended by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja, former NBA President Olisa Agbakoba, Pa Sam Amuka, Joe Okei-Odumakin and several other pro-democracy figures.
A minute of silence was also observed in honour of deceased NADECO activists who died during the struggle against military rule.
In his remarks, Opadokun said the book documented the sacrifices and resistance mounted against the dictatorship of late General Sani Abacha between 1994 and 1998.
He described The NADECO Story as a truthful account aimed at preserving the history of Nigeria’s democratic struggle for future generations.
