President Tinubu Asserts Unshakable Resolve in Face of Political Pressure
In a powerful display of determination, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday firmly stated that he will not be cowed by critics or political opposition, as he addressed members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the State House in Abuja. The President struck a defiant tone, insisting that no amount of external pressure would deter his administration from its mission to reform Nigeria's economy and reposition the nation for greater prosperity.
"They Can't Scare Me Off," Tinubu Declares
Speaking directly to his supporters, Tinubu made it clear that he has faced similar challenges before and is prepared to do so again. "They want to scare me off? That is a lie. I have been through this path before, and if I have to go through it again, I will," the President asserted, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience. He emphasized that his government remains steadfast in its commitment to breaking "the shackles of poverty and ignorance" while deepening democratic values and expanding opportunities for all Nigerians.
Emphasis on Rule of Law and Democratic Principles
Tinubu used the occasion to underscore the importance of respecting the rule of law, issuing a stern warning against any disregard for judicial authority. "We cannot submit to the disobedience of lawful court orders. We must embrace the judiciary, whether it favours us or not. That is the principle of democracy and separation of powers," he stated. The President urged his supporters to champion unity and national cohesion, stressing that Nigeria's progress hinges on a shared vision. "There is no other path to national greatness than building one country with a common vision for progress and prosperity," he added.
Acknowledging Economic Challenges with a Focus on Solutions
On the state of the economy, Tinubu acknowledged the existing difficulties but maintained that his administration is laser-focused on correcting inherited structural issues. "If something is wrong, we fix it and move on," he said, noting that governance requires both continuity and responsibility. He admitted that the reform journey would be arduous but assured his audience that the sacrifices would ultimately yield positive results. "The voyage is not easy, but I assure you, you will not regret walking this path with me. I will not run away from this fight," he promised.
Renewed Hope Ambassadors Charged with Grassroots Engagement
President Tinubu charged the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to intensify their grassroots engagement, describing them as "the conscience of a nation determined to overcome poverty, ignorance and hopelessness." He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on campaign promises, declaring, "I will not give up. What we promised Nigerians, we will deliver." Earlier in the meeting, Governor Hope Uzodinma, the Director-General and National Coordinator of the movement, stated that the group had been reinvigorated by the President's endorsement. He described members as "envoys" tasked with driving the reform message across communities and called for "political evangelism" to engage markets, youth groups, and faith-based organizations in explaining government policies and their long-term benefits.
Support from APC Leadership and State Governors
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, commended Tinubu's leadership, pointing to ongoing infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects as clear indicators of a pathway to economic transformation. He pledged continued party support, emphasizing the need for synergy between the APC and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. "As a party, we will stand by you and support policies that deliver good governance for Nigerians," he said. Governor Uba Sani, Deputy Director-General of the movement, highlighted the urgency of improving public communication of government achievements, warning that gaps in messaging were being exploited by the opposition. "If we don't tell our story, we should not blame the opposition when they tell it wrongly," he noted, citing improved security and the return of farmers to previously unsafe areas in Kaduna as examples of progress that require amplification.
Call for Action and Coordination
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Secretary of the movement, called for tighter coordination between state governments and the ambassadors, describing governors as "foot soldiers" of the President's agenda. "What remains is action, action and action. We have no time for excuses," he asserted. Other notable speakers at the meeting included Governor Abiodun Oyebanji; former governors Tanko Al-Makura, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Aminu Masari; as well as former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim. Participants, drawn from across the country, serve as members of the national leadership, zonal coordinators, and state coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a platform designed to deepen political engagement and bolster support for the administration's reform agenda.
