President Bola Tinubu has asserted that the problem brought on by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) inept execution of the cashless policy could not have prevented him from winning the 2023 presidential election.
Due to the poor management of the naira redesign and cash swap policy by the Godwin Emefiele-led CBN, which caused considerable hostility towards the ruling party on whose platform Tinubu was running for office, Nigeria was pushed into chaos.
The former governor of Lagos State, however, pulled through and won the election on February 25.
Recalling his experiences leading up to the contentious election, Tinubu noted that despite the inefficiency of the CBN’s new monetary policy, he remained positive and optimistic about winning.
The President made this known on June 29, 2023, while giving separate speeches at the palaces of the Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ijebu-Ode, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in Abeokuta, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake.
During his thank-you visit to the Royal Fathers, Tinubu spoke about his worries regarding the seizure of funds and the failure of the cashless policy, as well as how he had previously consulted Oba Adetona for advice and counsel during his trip to the palace.
The President said he invoked the spirits of freedom and determination, symbolised by “Baba Emilokan,” to overcome the obstacles in the election.
“Our monies were confiscated. The cashless policy didn’t work, it was terrible then. I realised that I came to Ogun State to invoke the spirit of freedom which we are noted for.
“I invoked that spirit twice. The spirit of Baba Emilokan. That’s Baba. Being blunt, being decisive, that’s him, he will tell you. The second spirit is that money or no money (we will do the election and we will win),” he said.
Tinubu thanked the royal fathers as well as his ‘personal friend’ and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, for their loyalty and commitment during those crucial times in the 2023 election.
The President, who described his visit to Ijebu-Ode as a homecoming, told Kabiyesi:
“The way you have taken me, the way you have responded to me, all I can say is thank you. May you live long and may you witness a prosperous Nigeria.”
He also acknowledged the presence of Chief Mike Adenuga, a Nigerian billionaire businessman, and expressed pride in his contributions to the Nigerian economy.
During his visit to Abeokuta, President Tinubu thanked the Alake of Egbaland for receiving him, describing him as a great leader.
He expressed his commitment to fulfilling his promises and appealed for prayers from the citizens of the state to ensure progress and stability in the country.
“I have redeemed my pledge that I will come back with victory and the crown.
“The hope is recharged; the hope is here. That hope will never fail. That hope will recharge your lives in a positive manner.
“By the grace of Almighty God, we shall reap the fruits of our labour, Nigeria will see positive change, just endure these baby steps of pain.
“This country is the only one we have. I have been a refugee and I know what it means to be a refugee and my green passport is what I still have now.”