President Bola Tinubu has said that he took over the leadership of Nigeria with both the assets and liabilities of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
He made this statement in Abuja during a meeting with governors elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party.
He assured them that his government has not removed any budget or penny from the previous administration.
According to Tinubu, “The situation that we have seen is one- I inherited, and it is fundamental, I inherited assets and liabilities of my predecessor.
“No budget, no penny that has been removed. This is the first time you are entering the Council Chamber, this is the first time I’m entering it too. But we have to push on. We have to make decisions that affect all of us.
“You as progressive thinkers, under the umbrella of our party, have a very serious role to play in educating the people, and making sure that we manage ourselves.”
Tinubu, who became Nigeria’s 16th president in May 2023 after winning a closely contested election with 37 percent of the votes, faces many challenges such as a fractured nation, an ailing economy and spiraling insecurity.
He has pledged to unite the country and to revive its fortunes by implementing his agenda of economic growth, social justice and security.
However, his inauguration was met with skepticism by some Nigerians who did not support him or who disputed the election results. A legal challenge to the result by his political rivals is ongoing.
Tinubu has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics for decades. He was a senator in the Third Republic and a governor of Lagos State for eight years. He is also regarded as a kingmaker and a godfather in the APC, having influenced the emergence of many political leaders in the country. His supporters believe he has the experience and vision to lead Nigeria to greatness, while his critics accuse him of being corrupt and authoritarian.
Tinubu faces a daunting task of fulfilling his campaign promises and delivering good governance to Nigerians who are weary of poverty, insecurity and corruption. He will also have to contend with the opposition parties, civil society groups and international partners who will hold him accountable for his actions. Tinubu has said he is ready for the challenge and has asked Nigerians to join him in building a new Nigeria.
