President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that some powerful interests affected by his administration’s economic reforms are wishing him dead following the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates.
The President made the remarks through former Olusegun Osoba, who represented him at the launch of “The NADECO Story,” a book authored by Ayo Opadokun, alongside an awards ceremony honouring pro-democracy actors.
The event was held in Lagos and celebrated the contributions of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to Nigeria’s democratic struggle between 1994 and 1998.
According to Osoba, Tinubu said individuals who previously benefitted from multiple exchange rate systems and fuel subsidy payments were unhappy with the reforms and were attempting to destabilise the country.
He quoted the President as saying that those involved in “round-tripping” would “wish him dead at any time,” but stressed that he remained committed to restructuring the economy despite mounting pressure.
Speaking on the economy, Tinubu said the gap between the official and parallel foreign exchange markets had narrowed significantly, adding that the naira had stabilised around ₦1,380 to the dollar.
The President also said his administration would avoid policies capable of triggering sudden appreciation of the naira in a manner that could distort market positions.
On national priorities, Tinubu identified the economy and security as the immediate focus of his administration, warning that insecurity was gradually spreading into the South-West region.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic history, the President praised members of NADECO for their sacrifices and contributions to the country’s return to democratic governance.
He also expressed appreciation to the group, saying their support played a major role in his emergence as President, while promising better performance if granted a second term in office.
Notable personalities at the event included Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, senior lawyer Olisa Agbakoba, and the Rasheed Ladoja, among others.
