President Bola Tinubu has accused the cabal running fuel subsidy and foreign exchange markets of sponsoring terrorism and deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace of the nation. Speaking at the launch of ‘The Journey from Despair to Hope and Victory: The NADECO Story,’ by Chief Ayo Opadokun yesterday, Tinubu said the major issue before him now is the economy and security.
The President, who was represented at the book launch by former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, said he is determined to confront the mounting challenges facing the country.
He said: “You all can see now the security situation is now moving gradually into the southwest zone. That we thought we would seal it. “So, the first major thing I’m facing now is the economy. And you all can see that the difference between the parallel market and the official market is virtually now zero. And naira, which they thought would be N2000 to a dollar, is now N1380.
“As for security, I’m aware that there is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace of this country by people whom I have offended by cancelling multiple exchange rates and by cancelling oil subsidies.
“And that those cabal who are round tripping will wish me dead any time. But I’m determined. If that is the only thing I can do, I will make sure I rearrange the economy, no matter what, I’m determined to face it.” Speaking on the relevance of NADECO, Tinubu praised the movement for their role in restoring democratic in Nigeria.
He promised to implement NADECO political demands if he is re-elected in 2027. “I would not have been where I am today if not for all of you here who have fought to entrench democracy. And that is evident from what all of you have done to bring this country to where we are today.
“And by the grace of God, many of the things that you people have been asking me to do, when I get my second term, I’m going to start implementing some of the political issues,” he said. In his welcome address, Chief Opadokun said that between 1994 and 1998, during one of the most turbulent and repressive periods under the dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, Nigeria stood at the edge of political and moral collapse.
He said: “Fundamental human rights were suppressed, democratic institutions were dismantled, and voices of dissent were met with intimidation, detention, and, in some cases, ultimate sacrifice. “Yet, in the face of that darkness, a courageous light persisted. That light was carried by men and women of conviction—within NADECO and beyond—who chose resistance over silence, truth over fear, and sacrifice over comfort.
“It was sustained by media institutions that risked closure and persecution to tell the truth. It was amplified by human rights activists who stood firm against tyranny. And it was strengthened by members of the international community— diplomatic missions—who, in solidarity, lent their voices and influence to the cause of justice and democratic restoration.”
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Prof Wole Soyinka, praised Opadokun for writing the book, saying that it was a true reflection of what transpired during the NADECO struggle.
