SWAGA Declares Nigeria Was on Brink of Collapse Before Tinubu's Emergence
The South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) has asserted that Nigeria was rapidly sliding into what it termed an irreversible cliff prior to the emergence of President Bola Tinubu in 2023. The group claims that his decisive interventions and bold decisions rescued the nation from the verge of total collapse, pulling it back from economic disaster.
Group Highlights Tinubu's Achievements and Backs Second Term
During a thank-you visit to the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, SWAGA, now relaunched as SWAGA 2.0, formally endorsed President Tinubu's bid for a second term. The group cited significant achievements across multiple sectors, including infrastructure development, education reforms, housing initiatives, and enhanced military welfare, as clear evidence of his effective leadership.
Senator Dayo Adeyeye, the National Chairman of SWAGA and Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority Board, led the delegation. He informed the monarch and residents of Akure that the group's early support for Tinubu has been vindicated, as many initially dismissed their movement. Adeyeye emphasized that without Tinubu's courage, Nigeria would have faced hyperinflation and complete bankruptcy.
Economic Policies and Subsidy Removal Praised
Adeyeye disclosed that the country was living on borrowed time under the previous administration. He noted that all major presidential candidates in the 2023 election, including Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, recognized the inevitability of removing fuel subsidies. Even former President Muhammadu Buhari had declared an inability to continue subsidy payments.
The SWAGA chairman hailed Tinubu for taking bold steps, such as subsidy removal, which he argued has provided essential resources for all three tiers of government to function effectively. He warned that without these policies, Nigeria might have seen fuel prices skyrocket to over 10,000 naira per litre and faced total economic ruin.
Infrastructure and Political Support Cited
Oyetunde Ojo, SWAGA Convener and Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, reinforced these claims, challenging critics to dispute Tinubu's record. He announced that within the next six to seven months, Tinubu is set to commission over housing units nationwide, including specialized schemes for military personnel. Ojo also pointed to political realignments, with governors defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) voluntarily, as proof of the president's performance.
Monarch's Endorsement and Local Benefits
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, who endorsed Tinubu's presidential ambition over three years ago, shared personal reasons for his support. He revealed that Akure, despite being one of Nigeria's largest state capitals by population after Lagos and Ibadan, lacked a federal teaching hospital until Tinubu approved one just a year ago. The monarch also noted the appointment of an Akure indigene as a substantive minister, a position not held since Baba Falai's tenure as finance minister.
In summary, SWAGA's visit underscored their unwavering support for President Tinubu, attributing Nigeria's avoidance of economic collapse to his leadership and advocating for his continuation in office to sustain progress.
