Posted on: 04:24 Sat, 21 May 2016



Bola Tinubu, a chieftain of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), says
he can vouch for President
Muhammadu Buhari when it comes
to managing Nigeria’s funds.

Speaking at the headquarters of the
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on
Friday, Tinubu described Buhari as
honest and straightforward.
The APC chieftain said that he was
at the union’s headquarters to
appeal to the NLC to shelve the
strike.

An NLC faction led by Ayuba
Wabba had declared a nationwide
strike and protests on Wednesday.
But the action failed to gain much
traction.

“I cannot say, I’m a part of the
decision that created the situation. I
can only say I noticed the
communication gap. And I cannot
say you are enemies of this
government,” he told the executive
of the congress.

"Yesterday, we came here to appeal to
you. Go back to history, we worked
real hard to bring Nigeria on
progressive path. For me a
progressive government is all about
the welfare of the people.

“Mr president, the former president
of NLC, and senators are here to
make it clear that you are not an
enemy of a government that is
progressive.

“We have refineries, but they are
not serving our people. Is it
benefiting the public? Why should
we continue problem after
problem, and continue to do the
same things over and over again.

“We must try new things. I’m here
to appeal to you to understand this
government. You brought this
government in. If change is our
slogan, are we collaborating to
make it possible?

“This is by the way, we must
introduce history… the political
history of the country is not being
taught in schools anymore.

“In good conscience, many of you
who are part of genuine labour
struggle know is about progress
and not cheap oil.

”We are shipping our labour, oil
and opportunities abroad, which is
not good for the country.

“Buhari is straightforward. We
didn’t say we won’t have problems
with him, but he has integrity.

“They brought in SURE-P, but the
only thing about SURE-P is
corruption. It was sure stealing,
sure diversion….
“Buhari will listen to us, we will
work together to make this change
possible.

“I can swear that Buhari will not
touch a penny for personal gain.
He has that character and integrity
to steer Nigeria.
“Let us look at a new mechanism of
doing things.

“Let us work together for a
government that we know is
honest. My mission here is for
peace, for us to return to the
negotiating table.

“Let us build Nigeria, let us make it
the centre piece of Africa.
“Let us call off this strike. I come to
beg on behalf of my party.”

Giving his remarks, Wabba thanked
the delegation for its visit.
“Visiting us as demonstrated you
are concerned about the working
class,” he said.

“We have taken note of your plea.
And we will convey this plea to the
various organs of the party.
“I want to assure you that we are
open to discussion.”

Tinubu was accompanied by Rauf
Aregbesola, governor of Osun state
and Kabir Marafa, a senator from
Zamfara central.