President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed allegations that he is working to undermine or “kill” the opposition in Nigeria, saying he does not even have a licence to own a gun.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday, February 25, during an interfaith breaking of fast (Iftar) with senators at the Presidential Villa, where he addressed criticisms against his administration and calls for unity amid current national challenges.
Responding to claims linking him to efforts to weaken opposition voices, Tinubu said critics were entitled to their opinions but insisted he had done no wrong.
“What they call you, any name, any nickname, critics must talk. When they accused me of killing opposition, I didn’t have a gun. I could have given myself a license when I have the authority, but I can’t blame anybody from jumping out of a sinking ship if they did,” the President said.
He acknowledged that Nigeria is going through a challenging period, citing terrorism and banditry as major threats causing widespread disruption across the country.
“What we have faced in this challenging period of this country — terrorism and banditry — is causing us affliction, and we should pull together, unite in a way that our forefathers contemplated to bring about a constitutional democracy and pull us together. They didn’t say we should fight,” he added.
Tinubu emphasized the need to strengthen constitutional democracy and foster cooperation among political leaders, noting that it was encouraging to see leaders working in harmony despite differences.
“It’s a good thing that we are working in harmony. We are looking for a country,” the President stated.
