President Bola Tinubu has vowed he will not be intimidated or deterred by opposition tactics, insisting he remains committed to his reform agenda despite mounting criticism.
The Nigerian leader made the declaration on Friday while hosting leaders of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the presidential villa in Abuja.
“They want to scare me off? It’s a lie,” Tinubu declared. “I’ve been through this path before, and if I have to come back over and over again, I’ll do the same thing. There is no better place than your own country, and no one can build it except you.”
He stressed the importance of national unity and adherence to the rule of law, rejecting what he described as “the rascality of street conventions” and disobedience of court orders. “We cannot submit to the disobedience of lawful court orders,” he said. “We must embrace the judiciary whether it favors us or not — this is the principle of democracy, separation of powers, and our nation’s dynamics.”
Tinubu praised the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, for their role in taking his administration’s policies to the grassroots. He described the movement as a vital platform “to shatter poverty and ignorance, entrench freedom, and boost democratic values.”
Addressing economic hardships, the president acknowledged challenges but urged resilience. “I took over from myself — the late Buhari was a partner. If something is wrong, fine, live with it, correct it, move on,” he quipped.
In a direct swipe at opposition figures, Tinubu questioned their credentials. “Look at one of them — no one without history in this calabash. The head was chairman of the Privatisation Council; they privatised the steel industry in Delta. Is it working today? No,” he said.
He assured supporters that the reform journey would be difficult but rewarding. “The life voyage is not going to be easy… I can assure you, you will not regret traveling with me,” Tinubu told the gathering. “Whatever you say I do, but one thing you need from me is a promise that I won’t run away from the fight. With you, the deal is done. All I can promise is that I won’t give up.”
The meeting was also attended by All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former Katsina Governor Aminu Bello Masari, as well as APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Tinubu’s remarks come amid ongoing opposition criticism of his economic policies, including fuel subsidy removal and naira floating, which have triggered hardship for many Nigerians.
The president’s defiant tone signals his determination to press ahead with the Renewed Hope Agenda as his administration prepares for future political battles, including the 2027 general elections.
