I took bullets, punches to become Nigeria’s president – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu says he faced significant political and legal challenges to become president of the country.

Tinubu spoke on Friday when he hosted members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at his Lagos residence.

“I have heard the remarks; the joy is in the heart. And the fact that we pushed together at the time I faced the challenges of trying to become the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

“It was very challenging. It was tough for those who were at the party with me. Some kept faith, and instead of dodging the bullets, I took it. I took the punch in the chin, a very hard one.”

The president said he remained committed to his ambition despite the obstacles and did not reveal his strategy to many people during the campaign.

“I stayed the course in the efforts to campaign. I didn’t disclose to anybody what I would do. Many of you took the risks and went along because of the party platform and everything,” he said.

“We survived. We faced litigations and accusations. We survived it. Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. It’s growing. Agriculture is booming. Food is here.”

Tinubu thanked the governors for supporting his administration and helping to sustain public confidence in the government amid economic reforms.

“Many of you have survived and promoted the perseverance of many of our people, asking them to trust in this government, and you built that trust around my leadership. I thank you very much,” he said.

The president added that the country’s economy has recovered as states no longer rely on federal bailouts to pay salaries.

“I am glad that out of the 27 governors borrowing from the federal government, asking for interventions and all whatnot to survive and to pay salaries, that is no more,” he said.

“You kept the spirit, hope and you persuaded our people to endure these three years of painful reforms when we put the economy on reset. Today, the benefit is showing. The economy has recovered. Micro-economic indices are doing very well.”

The president celebrated the third anniversary of his administration on Friday.

He was sworn into office on May 29, 2023, succeeding former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his Democracy Day message, Tinubu commendedNigerians for enduring the hardships and paying the ultimate sacrifices for the tough economic reforms implemented over the past three years

(The cable)