I will be a fair, just president to all Nigerians — Tinubu
2 min readIn continuation of his engagements with religious groups and leaders in the country, the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, on Sunday again spoke of his plans to retool the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Speaking at a Town Hall meeting with Muslim Leaders from South West in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the APC standard bearer also commended religious leaders in the country for their continued prayers and sermons, which he noted, had contributed to unity and peaceful coexistence.
Describing the forthcoming 2023 general elections as “Nigeria’s momentous encounter with destiny”, Tinubu urged the Islamic clerics to educate their followers on the importance of exercising their franchise and voting only tested candidates with a track record of excellent public service, “and not falling for the lies and gimmicks of those that have nothing to offer.”
Tinubu, who spoke partly in Yoruba language, said: “This election season has been a hybrid of facts and falsehood, truth and lies. I would like the election to be one based on facts and truth.
“What is a candidate’s record of performance and what are his policies. I ask you to urge your followers to come out and vote and to do so wisely. Vote for a candidate that has vision for a peaceful, prosperous Nigeria where tolerance and compassion undergird our constitutional and legal rights.”
The 2023 Presidential Election frontrunner assured Nigerians that he would be “a fair and just leader,” adding, “My pledge for fairness and justice is consistent with the tenets of Islamic faith.
“A leader in a plural society like ours is enjoined to be a leader of all. If elected, I shall govern in an honest and democratic manner in harmony with our nation’s constitution.”
Citing his excellent stewardship as Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Tinubu promised to use that experience to lead Nigeria in the “same spirit of innovation and pragmatic vision to uplift the nation and renew the hope of Nigerians.
On security, Tinubu vowed to end the reign of terror, kidnappings and other violent crimes by recruiting more personnel that would be trained and retrained, in addition to providing more security tools and gadgets for effective fight against criminal elements.
The nation’s economy, according to Tinubu, would be diversified and restructured towards achieving at least 6 percent growth annually. These goals would be achieved through the reforms of our industrial policy, infrastructural enhancement, power sector innovation and significant budgetary reforms.
“Regarding the economy, we seek to repair the very structure of the economy. We can no longer flourish as an economy based on natural resource extraction.
“We must become a dynamic, diversified economy where those who want to work can find a good job. But let us also be a society sufficiently compassionate to help those who cannot help themselves.”