Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says he will not be deterred by the antics of the opposition, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to remain focused on delivering the mandate of its reform agenda.
The President stated this on Thursday while hosting leaders and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, led by its Director-General and National Coordinator, and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma.
He noted the importance of national unity, stressing that Nigeria’s pathway to greatness lies in forging a cohesive and shared vision, noting that building one united country anchored on collective prosperity remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
READ ALSO: President Tinubu Declares Reforms Target Citizens’ Welfare and Prosperity
The Nigerian leader emphasised that the nation must not succumb to the disobedience of lawful court orders, underscoring the centrality of the rule of law in sustaining democratic governance.
He described the Renewed Hope Ambassadors movement as a defining national platform to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance while entrenching freedom and strengthening democratic values across the country.
President Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not be undermined by what he termed “the rascality of street conventions”, insisting that the nation cannot condone the disobedience of lawful court orders.
The President emphasised the need to uphold the authority of the judiciary at all times, noting that adherence to its decisions, whether favourable or otherwise, remains fundamental to the principles of democracy, the separation of powers, and the proper functioning of the Nigerian state.
He urged citizens and political actors alike to respect the authority of the judiciary, noting that adherence to its decisions, whether favourable or otherwise, remains fundamental to the principles of democracy, the separation of powers, and a clear understanding of the nation’s constitutional framework.
“We cannot submit to the disobedience of unlawful orders in court. We must embrace the judiciary whether it favours us or it doesn’t; we submit to this principle of democracy, separation of powers and understanding of the dynamics of it and the nation that Nigeria is.
“We must build one country; there is no other way to the path to national greatness other than building one nation…one common vision for the prosperity and greatness of our people…that is what we must do…that is what renewed hope is all about…” he reiterated.
Speaking against the opposition campaigns, President Tinubu dismissed suggestions that he is being intimidated or pressured into retreat, declaring that such efforts would not divert him from his course.
He reaffirmed his conviction that nation-building requires resilience and steadfast commitment, stressing that no country can be developed by external forces but through the determination and collective resolve of its own people.
“They want to scare me off” is a lie. I’ve been through this path before, and if I have to come back over and 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. We saw great things because we see skyscrapers; we wonder how the plane takes off and fly also from one destination to the other. These are no magic of yesterday. It is thinker of tomorrow and the future that can elevate life, that can reform us all, and being a transformative leader that you are, you are in good company. Don’t be afraid.” the Nigerian leader stressed.
He acknowledged that the journey of reform would be demanding but assured his supporters that their confidence in his administration would not be misplaced.
President Tinubu, therefore, urged members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors movement to deepen coordination from the grassroots and continue strengthening the administration’s engagement with citizens through sustained awareness and mobilisation.
“I’ve listened to you. this economy. I didn’t have to look back, because the truth is, I took over from myself. The late Buhari is me. He was a partner. If I took over from him, is that not from me? Yeah, so if something is wrong, fine, live with it, correct it, and move on.”
In a swipe at some opposition figures, President Tinubu questioned the records of those seeking to criticise his administration, saying that many of them had held strategic positions in the past without delivering lasting results.
The president emphasised that his government would remain focused on performance, reform and accountability, rather than distractions, as it works to deliver on its commitments to Nigerians.
“The life voyage is not going to be easy. And for so many of you that are travelling with me, I can only stand before you and say you will not regret it. That is why we ask you to renew their hope. If they don’t want to see the hope and the roads in the bridge and the children who will rise and the economy we are growing, we lend them jiggy bola. We give them eyeglasses. I can assure you, whatever you say, I do. But one thing that you need from me is a promise that I won’t run away from their fight. With you the deal is done.
“And all I can promise is that I won’t give up during the primary that got me here. It was tough during the election. It was tough.
”If you look at one of them, no one without history is among this Calabash, no one without history. The head was the chairman of the Privatisation Council of Nigeria; in this country, one time, he privatised the steel industry in Delta. Is it working today? No ounce; they privatised. Is it working today? They privatised another man’s political party. That one says no,” he added.
The Coordinator and Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, said the purpose of the Ambassadors’ courtesy visit was to brief the President on the current status of the movement, which he noted is already generating measurable civic value across the country.
Governor Uzodinma explained that the initiative is designed to drive national renewal by translating the policies and achievements of President Bola Tinubu into clear, relatable messages at the grassroots level, thereby deepening public understanding and engagement.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Katsina State, Rt Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, says reform-driven leadership inevitably faces resistance but noted that the Tinubu administration has continued to record significant achievements despite prevailing challenges.
Masari expressed confidence in President Tinubu, stating that he possesses the courage and political will required to confront Nigeria’s challenges and steer the country toward sustainable progress.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof
Nentawe Yilwatda said the projects being commissioned across the country stand as clear testimonies to the impact of the administration’s reforms on the economy.
He assured them that the party would work in synergy with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to deepen public enlightenment, mobilise grassroots support, and strengthen voter education ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Governor Okowa, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, Governors Uba Sani and Biodun Oyebanji also delivered goodwill messages at the meeting.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, also attended the event, alongside many governors: Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Mohammed Inuwa (Gombe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Uba Sani (Kaduna), who also serves as deputy director-general of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
A host of former governors, including Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), and Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa), attended, as well as former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim; the APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru; zonal coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors; directors; and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari.