Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has firmly defended her husband, President Bola Tinubu, against allegations of causing the country’s current economic hardship. Speaking at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, Mrs Tinubu stressed that her husband should not be blamed for the economic challenges, as his administration is still in its early stages.
In her address, Oluremi Tinubu highlighted that the nation’s economic woes predate the Tinubu administration, which has been working diligently to rectify the issues. We are just two years into our administration; we are not the cause of the current situation; we are trying to fix it and secure the future, she stated.
She acknowledged the removal of the fuel subsidy, a significant economic reform that has drawn criticism due to the rise in petrol prices, but reassured Nigerians that, with time, the country will be in a better position. With God on our side, in the next two years, Nigeria will be greater than this she said, adding that those who previously attempted to remove the subsidy were unable to see it through.
Tinubu is Working
Mrs Tinubu also took the opportunity to praise her husband’s character, insisting that greed does not motivate him, as he is already financially secure. We give glory to God for our status. My husband and I are not greedy, but we thank God for what He has done for us. It is not common for rich people to get to this seat, but I am grateful to God,” she explained. She reassured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration would not disappoint, promising that the country is on a path to a better future.
Critics of the Tinubu administration argue that the reforms, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the foreign exchange market, have exacerbated economic difficulties for vulnerable citizens. Since the subsidy removal, petrol prices have skyrocketed from N198 to nearly N1,300, contributing to inflation, increased poverty, and rising unemployment. However, Mrs Tinubu remains optimistic, urging Nigerians to be patient and continue praying for the government’s efforts to succeed.
During her visit to the Ooni’s palace, Mrs Tinubu made a notable contribution, donating N1 billion to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) for its development. She also inaugurated a hostel and a 2.7-kilometre road, both donated to the university by the Ooni of Ife, which were named in her honour.
The Ooni of Ife, in turn, commended the First Lady for being a role model to young Nigerians, especially recalling her New Era Initiative, which provided leadership opportunities to secondary school students during her time as First Lady of Lagos State.
This engagement underscores Mrs Tinubu’s ongoing commitment to national development and her firm defence of the administration’s policies amidst growing economic pressures.