President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his administration’s borrowing policy, saying taking loans is not a problem as long as the government remains committed to repayment and economic growth.
Speaking on Wednesday in an online video, Tinubu said borrowing should not be seen as leprosy, stressing that many countries rely on debt to finance development projects and critical infrastructure.
“If we have to borrow, we borrow. Borrowing is not leprosy. We just have to work hard to be able to pay for it,” the president said.
He also addressed growing criticism over insecurity in parts of the country, alleging that his political enemies were determined to exploit insecurity for selfish political gain, but he would not be intimidated or pressured into stepping aside.
“My enemies want to use insecurity in the country to get rid of me, but I’m a stubborn politician who refuses to go,” he said.
The president added that he remained fully committed to completing his mandate and would also seek re-election in the next presidential contest.
“I will campaign for my second term,” Tinubu declared.
His remarks come amid continued national debate over rising public debt, economic hardship and insecurity, with opposition figures intensifying criticism of the administration’s policies and performance.
