• Govt diversifying to agric, non-oil sector
• Abbas, Al-Makura lead Buhari’s men to pledge support
The economy has stabilised and the revenue target set for this year has been met since last month, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Tuesday.
With the revenue situation, government has enough resources to carry out its programmes without borrowing, he added.
The President spoke when he received members of The Buhari Organisation (TBO) – leaders of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) – the political party formed by the late former President, which went into merger with others to form the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
“Today, I can stand here before you to brag, Nigeria is not borrowing. We have met our revenue target for the year, and we met it in August,” the President noted.
“The economy has stabilised; nobody is trading a piece of paper for an exchange rate anymore. When I took over, it was N1,900 to a dollar. It’s N1,450 now. Rates are stabilising now, you don’t have to know a CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) governor … all you have to do is export and import and create jobs for the people,” the President said.
Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration’s priority remained fixing the economy, creating jobs, and bringing hope to Nigerians.
“First of all, we are fixing the economy, bringing hope to the people. That is what we are looking for, and that is who is here,” he said.
Emphasising his commitment to agriculture development, the President said his government had begun a massive mechanisation programme to make every region of the country benefit from modernised agricultural centres, training schemes and job creation opportunities.
According to him, the push for food sovereignty and security remains central to his Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA), with the ultimate intention of defeating poverty by eliminating hunger.
He dismissed the threats United States President, Donald Trump’s trade tariff pose to Nigeria’s economy, because Nigeria under him, is building a stronger, more diversified economy.
“If non-oil revenue is going where it is going, then have no fear of whatever Trump is doing on the other side,” Tinubu said.
The delegation of TBO was led to Aso Villa by its leader, former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura. Also on the team was House Representatives Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen.
The President tanked TBO chieftains for their patience because of the delay in letting appointments go round those who worked for his victory in 2023.
“I couldn’t appoint everybody at once. Thank you for your patience. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that so many people are craving for. But it’s not easy stitching those names,” he explained.
The TBO members declared the “unconditional support” of CPC members for the President’s 2027 re-election ambition and his administration.
The President, in an emotional recollection of his partnership with Buhari, promised to immortalise him by building a “Buhari House.”
Although, the President did not say where the house would be situated, he said it would a “house of joy and prosperity.”
He paid tribute to late President Buhari, recalling their early days of political struggle and alliance formation.
“You (delegation members) brought back the memory of the beginning of the alliance when we sat down to fashion out the way to go. We disagreed to agree. We even argued over a symbol. He insisted on parliament, and I insisted on a broom. He was so stubborn,” Tinubu said as he remembered their partnership.
He thanked the team for its loyalty, describing the team’s presence as a “sweet memory” and a reminder of the progressive ideals both leaders stood for.
“Don’t worry about the threats. When I see people like you, my determination is to work harder,” the President said, assuring them that his government would remain anchored on Buhari’s values of honesty, transparency, and justice.
TBO pledges support
Thanking Tinubu for the honour he accorded the late President, Abbas and Al-Makuara, recalled the role he (Tinubu) played in their political mentor’s emergence as President.
Abbas said: “Indeed, today is the first day that the former members of CPC gathered in large numbers to visit our President to show support and appreciation for what he has been doing.
“I’m sure from the calibre of people you see here, you will be convinced that the notion that CPC is broken or not with this administration is a lie. More than 90 per cent of those who were active during the time of CPC are present.
“The support you gave today, every CPC member is proud of. Even though when people wondered if CPC would win, with the combined effort of you, he (the late Buhari), and other party members, we were able to realise that dream of making him (Buhari) the President.”
The Speaker described the honour Tinubu accorded Buhari at his passing as unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.
“It was unprecedented in the history of Nigeria for any former leader to be accorded such a kind of respect. The people you sent to the United Kingdom to pay the last respect and bring the body back, and the number of times you and the First Lady went to Katsina and Kaduna, are commendable. We appreciate all that you did and may the Almighty God reward you,” Abbas added.
Senator Al-Makura also expressed gratitude on behalf of TBO for the honour and dignity Tinubu accorded the late President.
“When our leader passed on, the nation grieved and mourned. At that point, you became a symbol of consolation as you presided over the entire procedure of his passage. You not only buried Muhammadu Buhari but honoured him and ensured a befitting state burial with full military honours,” Al-Makura said.
He described Tinubu and Buhari’s alliance as one founded on discipline, justice and the pursuit of a united Nigeria rather than personal benefit.
“You were united by purpose and vision, not benefits. Together you conceptualised and built a foundation that makes the Renewed Hope Agenda a vision that is pragmatic, scientific and rewarding. This is not just a slogan but a blueprint for national restoration,” Al-Makura said.
He also pledged the group’s “full and unwavering support” for Tinubu’s administration and the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Your Excellency, while commending you and your government for the efforts in promoting peace and unity despite challenges you met on the ground, we are urging you not to relent in ensuring that every part of this country is secure.
”Our loyalty and commitment to you and your government is irrevocable,” the former governor said.
