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My Husband Should Not Be Held Responsible for Current Economic Crisis – Oluremi Tinubu

Published

3 months ago

Oct 11, 2024.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu has stood by her husband, President Bola Tinubu, amid growing economic challenges in Nigeria, insisting that he should not be blamed for the current situation.

Her comments come as Nigerians struggle with rising prices, particularly after the removal of the fuel subsidy, which saw petrol prices skyrocket from ₦198 to ₦1,030 per litre.

Speaking at an event on Thursday at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the First Lady stressed that the Tinubu administration is still in its early days and needs time to implement its policies. She reassured the public that the government is committed to addressing the nation’s challenges and driving economic growth.

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The fuel subsidy was scrapped during President Tinubu’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023, where he described the policy as a roadblock to Nigeria’s progress. However, this decision has triggered widespread criticism and frustration as citizens face increasing financial hardship.

Senator Tinubu was in Ife to inaugurate a hostel and a 2.7-kilometer road named in her honor, both donated to Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University (OAU) by the Ooni of Ife.

“We are only two years into this administration,” she said. “We are not responsible for the current hardships but are working hard to resolve them and secure a better future. Though the subsidy has been removed, with God’s help, in the next two years, Nigeria will be stronger. Others tried to remove the subsidy before but couldn’t succeed. With your prayers, we will build a future-ready nation.”

She further emphasised her husband’s integrity, expressing gratitude for their position. “My husband and I are not driven by greed. We give glory to God for where we are today. It’s rare for wealthy individuals to reach this position, but we are grateful and will not disappoint Nigerians. With God’s guidance, we will lead the country to the promised land,” she added.

Senator Tinubu, who revealed she graduated from OAU 41 years ago, also pledged ₦1 billion to support the university’s development.

During his remarks, the Ooni of Ife praised the First Lady for being a role model, recalling her impactful New Era Initiative as First Lady of Lagos State, which inspired young people through programs like the One Day Governor initiative that offered opportunities to secondary school students.

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