First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Defends President, Says He’s Wealthy but Not Greedy and Not Responsible for Nigeria’s Economic Hardship
Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has come to the defense of her husband, President Bola Tinubu, amid the nation’s economic difficulties, stating that he should not be blamed for the current challenges. Since the removal of the fuel subsidy, Nigerians have faced significant economic struggles, with petrol prices rising sharply from N198 to N1,030.
President Tinubu announced the end of the fuel subsidy during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, citing it as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s progress. Speaking on Thursday at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the First Lady emphasized that the Tinubu administration is still in its early stages. She was in Ife to inaugurate a hostel and a 2.7-kilometer road donated by the Ooni of Ife to Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University (OAU), named in her honor.
“We are just 18 months into our administration,” she said, “and we are not responsible for the current situation. We are working to fix it and secure the future. Although the fuel subsidy has been removed, with God’s help, Nigeria will be in a better place in the next two years.” She also noted that previous attempts to remove the subsidy had failed, but with prayers and continued effort, she expressed confidence that a better Nigeria could be built for future generations.
The First Lady further stressed that her husband is not driven by greed, expressing gratitude for his role as the nation’s leader. “We give glory to God for our position. My husband and I are not greedy, and we are thankful for what God has done for us,” she said. “It’s rare for wealthy individuals to ascend to such a position, and we cannot afford to disappoint Nigeria. With God’s guidance, we are moving toward the promised land.”
Oluremi Tinubu, an alumna of OAU, graduated from the institution 41 years ago and made a significant donation of N1 billion for its development. The Ooni of Ife praised her as a role model, particularly for the youth, recalling her long-standing impact since her time as First Lady of Lagos State. “I have admired Senator Oluremi Tinubu since I was a young man struggling in Lagos,” he said.
