President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said some powerful interests affected by his administration’s economic reforms are unhappy and allegedly wishing him dead over the removal of petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms.

The President made the remark on Wednesday during the launch of “The NADECO Story,” a book written by Chief Ayo Opadokun in Lagos.

Tinubu was represented at the event by former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

Tinubu Speaks On Subsidy, Forex Reforms

According to Osoba, Tinubu said individuals who benefited from foreign exchange round-tripping and fuel subsidy payments were resisting his administration’s reforms.

“As for security, he says, I should let you know, that he is aware that there is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace of this country by people whom he knew he had offended by canceling multiple exchange rates and by canceling oil subsidies,” Osoba said.

“He said those cabals who are doing round-tripping will wish him dead any time, but he is determined that if that is the only thing he would do, he would make sure he rearranges the economy.”

Osoba added that the President insisted he would continue with the reforms despite pressure from affected interests.

Economy And Security Major Focus

Tinubu reportedly described the economy and security as the two biggest challenges currently facing his administration.

Osoba said the President expressed concern over worsening insecurity and the gradual spread of attacks into parts of the South-West region.

“You all can see now that the security situation is now moving gradually into the South-West zone,” he said.

The President also defended his foreign exchange reforms, arguing that the gap between the official and parallel market rates had significantly reduced.

According to him, predictions that the naira would crash to ₦2,000 per dollar had not materialised.

“You all can see that the difference between the parallel market and official market exchange rate is virtually zero now,” Osoba quoted Tinubu as saying.

Tinubu Promises More Reforms

Osoba further disclosed that Tinubu promised to revisit some political reforms demanded by pro-democracy actors if re-elected for a second term.

The President also acknowledged the contributions of NADECO members and democracy activists to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“He is ever grateful for what all of you have done to bring this country to where we are today,” Osoba said.

The event attracted several prominent Nigerians including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Rashidi Ladoja, Olisa Agbakoba and Joke Silva.