President Bola Tinubu has said powerful interests benefiting from fuel subsidy and multiple exchange rates are wishing him dead over the economic reforms introduced by his administration.
The President’s position was conveyed by former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, during the launch of the book, “The NADECO Story,” written by Chief Ayo Opadokun in Lagos.
The event was organised by the National Democratic Coalition to honour individuals who played major roles in the struggle against military rule between 1994 and 1998.
According to Osoba, Tinubu said some groups angered by the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates were deliberately attempting to destabilise the country.
“As for security, he says, I should let you know, that he is aware that there is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace of this country by people whom he knew he had offended by canceling multiple exchange rates and by canceling oil subsidies,” Osoba stated.
“He said those cabals who are doing round-tripping will wish him dead any time but he is determined that if that is the only thing he would do, he would make sure he rearranges the economy.”
Tinubu also reportedly assured Nigerians that his administration remained focused on tackling economic and security challenges facing the country.
According to Osoba, the President said the narrowing gap between the official and parallel market exchange rates showed that reforms were beginning to stabilise the economy.
“The Naira, which they thought would be N2,000 to one dollar, is now around N1,380,” Osoba added.
He further disclosed that Tinubu promised to address more political issues if re-elected for a second term, while maintaining that his immediate priorities remain the economy and national security.
The event also featured comments from several prominent Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Professor Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Chief Fred Agbeyegbe, Dr Olisa Agbakoba and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rasheed Ladoja.