Better Oyo Movement (BOM), a group committed to the state’s development has lauded the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his consistency and fearlessness, particularly since the current cash crunch began, maintaining that with leaders like Tinubu, the masses of Nigeria can be rest assured that they now have someone ready to defend their interests.
“Without a doubt, we’re sure Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as president of this great country will not only run a pro-people administration, he will, also be at the vanguard of promoting their interests. We know, from his days as governor of Lagos, to his current status as an advocate of good governance that service to the people will be of paramount interest to him. If he’s done it before, then he’ll do it again,” the group opined.
BOM, in a release in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, consequently praised Tinubu effusively, recalling that the former Lagos governor was the only presidential candidate who showed his deep knowledge of finance on one hand, and demonstrable empathy on the other, to come up with sound, innovative and infallible ideas which, if faithfully implemented, could put an end to the current crises.
“We recall that Asiwaju, asides being the first to come out frontally to challenge the highly unpopular policy of the CBN at his presidential campaign rally in Abeokuta, was also the only presidential candidate who came up with alternative ideas to ease the burden on Nigerians. He, in fact, issued a personally signed statement, wherein he informed the public that he, and his deputy, Senator Kashim Shettima weren’t against the CBN cashless policy and the Naira redesign, save that their worry was just its disruptive implementation.
“Some of Asiwaju’s propositions included the immediate announcement of the validity of old notes alongside new notes, for the next 12 months, following examples of countries who’ve implemented similar monetary policy; immediate suspension of associated charges on all online transactions, bank transfers, and payments via POS, until the current crises was resolved; as well as mobilization of all commercial banks and payment platforms to show commitment and timelines on expanding their infrastructure and support services.
“Other suggestions from the Jagaban Borgu were that the Central Bank and other associated MDAs constitute an interagency action committee for immediate oversight over the cash supply gaps from the Nigerian Security and Minting Company and deal with issues around capabilities and turnaround time to effectively meet with the needs of the informal sector and the unbanked; and that the CBN, National Orientation Agency, Ministry of Information, States and Local Governments, with their relevant organs in both the public and private sectors commence enlightenment programmes to further educate Nigerians on the policy for better understanding and mainstream adoption,” the group noted.
Unlike former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and ex-governor Peter Obi, both of whom sought to benefit from the expected backlash Nigerians were to heap on the APC, and by extension its candidates, Asiwaju Tinubu chose to side with Nigerians, and history. That alone, BOM said, sets him apart from the opportunistic duo, advertising him as one Nigerians can trust.
“We, therefore, commend him for such bravery, while we call on Nigerians to reciprocate this good gesture by voting for him massively on Saturday, 25 February, 2023 as president. We equally call on all relevant agencies to take Asiwaju’s suggestions to heart, as we believe a serious implemention of his recommendations remain a panacea to the current crises,” said BOM, whose release was signed by its Chairman, Dr. Femi Fakunle, and Secretary, Engr. Tunji Hammed.