President Bola Tinubu recently addressed claims that he is influenced by a cabal in his decision-making. During a meeting with a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau at the State House on July 15, Tinubu set the record straight.

President Tinubu emphasized that he does not owe any cabal compensation for his election victory. He revealed that he spent his personal fortune to pursue his presidential ambition and that his success at the polls was purely due to divine intervention. This statement comes in response to rumors suggesting that a cabal controls his administration and its economic reforms.

“I owe no cabal,” Tinubu declared. “My election victory was by the grace of God, and I used my own resources to achieve it. The decisions I make are for the benefit of our country, not influenced by any group or individuals.”

Tinubu’s remarks aim to reassure the public that his administration’s economic reforms are independent and focused on national progress. By clarifying his position, he seeks to dispel any misconceptions about external influences on his leadership.

The President said,

“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 defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence 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,’’

“We are reworking the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, which is the closest to our people. We are going to ensure that we re-establish connection with the wards, again, so that we can give allowances to the poor and the vulnerable.

The student loans will pay for school fees. There will be monetary support for the education of our children. The consumer credit will support citizens to buy cars and houses, and they can repay gradually. We have increased the minimum wage by more than 100 percent,’’

“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. 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 told the religious leaders.

As President Tinubu continues to navigate the challenges of his term, his commitment to transparency and integrity remains a cornerstone of his governance. His address to the Islamic leaders serves as a reaffirmation of his dedication to serving the nation with independence and honor.