President Bola Tinubu has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate of lacking understanding of governance and the economy.
Tinubu made the comment on Thursday while receiving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke winner of the August 15 governorship election. He contested under the Accord Party and defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, the President’s party.
Tinubu said: “Let’s look at the trajectory of history. I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of serious ignorance about governance and the economy. Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to even talk of pensioners. In your state, I know a man that I raised who is nicknamed ‘half salary.’
“They come to the federal government cap in hand, unable to do anything. Salaries you pay for each family. They were at the local governments. They are in the states. We are at the concentration of population. They are in the states.”
He said Nigerians now feel government’s impact through roads, housing, school repairs, hospitals, healthcare, and training for teachers and health workers.
Tinubu urged Adeleke to promote unity, peace, stability and the rule of law, adding: “Like I said, you did not conquer anybody.”
He also told the governor: “You won the election. That is the essence of democracy.”
Adeleke thanked Tinubu for allowing a free and fair election.
He said: “I’m here to thank Mr. President, the father of the nation, because he fought for this democracy.
“That is why he allowed a free and fair election, and that is the result. That is why I’m here — to say thank you and to ensure that democracy lives in Nigeria.”
