President Bola Tinubu has accused the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernment nationwide protest of unpatriotism.
The planned protest, which has gained traction on social media, is scheduled to take place across Nigeria from August 1 to 10 and is aimed at addressing the ongoing economic hardship faced by citizens.
However, Tinubu, on Thursday, while receiving a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau at the Presidential Villa, claimed that the planned protest sponsors have no love for the country and don’t understand citizenship.
He added that those championing the cause of the protests have alternative passports and hold meetings virtually across the world.
Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted him saying, “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.”
Tinubu argued that the protests are fueled by anger and hate and could degenerate into violence and set the country backward. During the meeting, the President also allayed fears of manipulation by any interest group in the ongoing economic reforms. He maintained that his campaign was self-sponsored, without strings, or indebtedness to any individual or institution.
“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 defense is a good conscience. It is also a defense 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,” the President stated.
