For Years, Tinubu Has Been Laying the Groundwork, and I'm Convinced He'll Emerge Victorious Once More - Okunrinboye

Senator Remi Okunrinboye, a prominent supporter of President Bola Tinubu, asserts that the President has the right vision and determination to transform Nigeria's fortunes despite the current economic and security challenges, and that the discomfort being experienced is short-term and necessary for long-term progress.

nn

According to Senator Okunrinboye, every nation has its issues, but what sets a leader apart is their vision for the country, and President Bola Tinubu has a plan and is implementing it, which will lead to a better Nigeria once it gains solid ground.

nn

Senator Okunrinboye believes that most security issues are perpetrated by enemies of Nigeria who want to disrupt the Tinubu administration, and that the President is capable and facing problems head-on, which is why he continues to support him.

nn

Senator Okunrinboye notes that President Tinubu has learned from past heroes and has the experience and passion to resolve the issues he met upon assuming office, and that great things take time, which is why he trusts the President's skills and leadership.

nn

Senator Okunrinboye strongly believes that the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the Naira were necessary decisions to correct long-standing structural deformities in the economy, and that these reforms will lead to a more stable and prosperous Nigeria.

nn

The fuel subsidy regime had placed an unsustainable burden on public finances, with trillions of naira spent annually to keep petrol prices artificially low, benefiting only a slim group of people, including oil smugglers and importers, rather than all citizens.

nn

Senator Okunrinboye commends the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Cardoso, and Finance Minister, Wale Edun, for their effectiveness in tackling and enacting the President's stance on the foreign exchange system, which had created inefficiencies and discouraged foreign investments.

nn

By allowing the Naira to reflect market realities, the government has taken a bold step towards transparency and long-term economic stability, although this has brought short-term challenges, including higher transport costs and increased cost of living.

nn

Senator Okunrinboye explains that economic history shows that such transitions are often necessary for sustainable growth, and that certain discomforts are necessary for long-term happiness and comfort, citing the example of a child learning to walk.

nn

There are already signs of progress, including improved government revenues, reduced fiscal pressures, and increased investor confidence, as well as stronger incentives for domestic refining and energy dependence, which will reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported fuel.

nn

The floating of the Naira has benefited the agricultural economy, with cocoa, cashew, ginger, cotton, and rubber producers encouraged to head to the farm, and export growth as a result of the liberation and flotation of the Naira.

nn

Senator Okunrinboye responds to critics who argue that the current economic hardship is too heavy a price for ordinary Nigerians to pay by asking if the previous path was sustainable and if avoiding these reforms would have made life better or worse in the long run.

nn

He believes that the old system was already collapsing, with visible cracks, and that continuing to benefit a slim group of people would have only delayed the pain and made it more intense and severe in the long run.

nn

Senator Okunrinboye acknowledges that he also feels the discomfort, but as a leader, one must see the long-term impact and make uncomfortable decisions, citing the example of Pharaoh and Joseph in the Bible.

nn

He notes that the President has made sacrifices and tough decisions when required, and that government has a responsibility to cushion the impact of reforms through targeted interventions, with over 330 billion Naira disbursed to 8 million households.

nn

Senator Okunrinboye responds to concerns about the government's response to security challenges, acknowledging that some citizens feel the response has been slow, but distinguishing between the complexity and perception of the task at hand.

nn

He believes that the security issues are complex and have evolved over many years, requiring careful planning and coordination, and that the President's administration is taking a more structured and deliberate approach, with a focus on protecting lives and property.

nn

Senator Okunrinboye urges young Nigerians not to lose faith or disengage from the future of Nigeria, but to remain active authors of the country's story, as great nations are built during difficult transitions like the one Nigeria is currently experiencing.

nn

He notes that the current administration is undertaking far-reaching economic and structural reforms aimed at creating a more stable, transparent, and opportunity-driven economy, which will be beneficial to all Nigerians.