Sponsors Of Planned Protests Don’t Love Nigeria – Tinubu Says

President Bola Tinubu has addressed the planned nationwide protests, saying that those behind the demonstrations do not love the country.

He made these remarks on Thursday at the Presidential Villa while meeting with a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau.

Without naming any sponsors, President Tinubu claimed that the organizers of the protests possess alternative passports and hold virtual meetings globally.

“The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports,” Tinubu said in a statement released by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale.

“They are in different parts of the world holding meetings virtually. We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan. We are talking about hunger, not burials. We have to be careful. We should be careful with premature politics; politics of hate and anger.

“The internet has made it possible to hold meetings in artificial settings. They hold meetings and sponsor anger,” the President conveyed to the religious leaders.

President Tinubu warned that protests driven by anger and hate could lead to violence and hinder the nation’s progress.

During the meeting, the President also addressed concerns about the ongoing economic reforms, assuring that there is no manipulation by any interest group.

He emphasized that his campaign was self-funded, with no obligations to any individual or institution.

“I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune. At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked. But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President. Mine is to now follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God.

“One of the most potent elements of defense is a good conscience. It is also a defense against corruption.

“What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of our children. We have a lot to teach them on what it takes to be a good citizen and what it takes to be a responsible citizen,” the President concluded.