President Bola Tinubu has quelled concerns about potential manipulation by vested interests in the ongoing economic reforms, asserting that his campaign was self-financed and free from any obligations to individuals or institutions.

Speaking on Thursday at the State House, where he received a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau, the President attributed his electoral victory to divine intervention, meticulous planning, and diligent efforts in garnering support from Nigerians.

“I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune. At some point, the odds were against me; banks were closed. But Allah, the Almighty God, ordained that I would be President. My duty now is to follow the guidance and teachings of the Almighty God.

“One of the most powerful elements of defence is a clear conscience. It is also a safeguard against corruption. Our primary concern should be the future of our children. We have much to teach them about being good and responsible citizens,’’ the President stated.

President Tinubu warned that protests driven by anger and hate could escalate into violence and set the country back.

“We are overhauling the social welfare scheme to operate at the ward level, the closest point to our people. We will reconnect with the wards to provide allowances to the poor and vulnerable.

“Student loans will cover school fees, and there will be financial support for our children’s education. Consumer credit will help citizens buy cars and houses, with repayments made gradually.

“We have increased the minimum wage by more than 100 percent,’’ the President announced.

President Tinubu criticised the organisers of protests, accusing them of placing selfish ambitions above national interest.

“The protest organisers do not love our country. They do not understand citizenship. They hold alternative passports and meet virtually from different parts of the world.

“We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan. We are talking about hunger, not burials. We must be cautious with premature politics, politics of hate and anger.

“The internet enables meetings in artificial settings, where they sponsor anger,’’ the President said to the religious leaders.

Sheikh Bala Lau, the leader of the delegation, assured the President of their support through prayers and increased awareness.

“Peace is paramount for us in the country. Abraham first asked God for peace and guidance,’’ Sheikh Lau noted.

Traditional rulers also called for calm over the planned nationwide protest against the economic hardship in Nigeria, scheduled to begin on 1st August 2024.

“We will listen to our youths because they are the future. The strength of Nigeria lies with the young people,” stated HRM Benjamin Keagborekuzi, the Dein of Agbor.

“We understand your pain. I am a young person myself. For 24 years, I have witnessed the nation move in an undesirable direction. By God’s grace, if you give us a chance, this protest can be managed to avoid destroying our country.”

The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, acknowledged leaders’ concerns about the planned protest and urged patience and attentiveness to wisdom.

“The message to our people is to remain calm, exercise patience, and heed the wisdom of traditional rulers and governors. The President has provided us with a blueprint of his actions,” he said.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, echoed the call for caution to prevent the protest from being hijacked.

“We, as traditional rulers, do not support actions leading to looting or breakdowns of law and order. We are parents and closer to the youth. We will engage with them. It is difficult to build but easy to destroy. We are all stakeholders in this country. We should be stronger together as a nation.”

Thursday’s meeting was part of a final effort by President Tinubu’s administration, under severe criticism for its policies, to avert the planned protest.

Since the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, the cost of living has soared. The administration has introduced measures such as a new minimum wage and palliative distributions and has called for patience. However, many argue these efforts have yet to significantly address the challenges.

Security agencies have warned the organisers, who remain anonymous, to cancel the demonstration, fearing it may be hijacked by criminal elements and turn violent, reminiscent of the EndSARS protest in 2020.

Several groups have withdrawn from the scheduled demonstration, but proponents insist that citizens have the right to protest perceived government mistreatment.