Bola Tinubu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he can vouch for President Muhammadu Buhari when it comes to managing Nigeria’s funds.
Speaking at the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Friday, Tinubu described Buhari as honest and straightforward.
The APC chieftain said that he was at the union’s headquarters to appeal to the NLC to shelve the strike.
An NLC faction led by Ayuba Wabba had declared a nationwide strike and protests on Wednesday.
But the action failed to gain much traction.
“I cannot say, I’m a part of the decision that created the situation. I can only say I noticed the communication gap. And I cannot say you are enemies of this government,” he told the executive of the congress.
“Today, we came here to appeal to you. Go back to history, we worked real hard to bring Nigeria on progressive path. For me a progressive government is all about the welfare of the people.
“Mr president, the former president of NLC, and senators are here to make it clear that you are not an enemy of a government that is progressive.
“We have refineries, but they are not serving our people. Is it benefiting the public? Why should we continue problem after problem, and continue to do the same things over and over again.
“We must try new things. I’m here to appeal to you to understand this government. You brought this government in. If change is our slogan, are we collaborating to make it possible?
“This is by the way, we must introduce history… the political history of the country is not being taught in schools anymore.
“In good conscience, many of you who are part of genuine labour struggle know is about progress and not cheap oil.
”We are shipping our labour, oil and opportunities abroad, which is not good for the country.
“Buhari is straightforward. We didn’t say we won’t have problems with him, but he has integrity.
“They brought in SURE-P, but the only thing about SURE-P is corruption. It was sure stealing, sure diversion….
“Buhari will listen to us, we will work together to make this change possible.
“I can swear that Buhari will not touch a penny for personal gain. He has that character and integrity to steer Nigeria.
“Let us look at a new mechanism of doing things.
“Let us work together for a government that we know is honest. My mission here is for peace, for us to return to the negotiating table.
“Let us build Nigeria, let us make it the centre piece of Africa.
“Let us call off this strike. I come to beg on behalf of my party.”
Tinubu was accompanied by Rauf Aregbesola, governor of Osun state and Kabir Marafa, a senator from Zamfara central.
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