Economic reform: ‘I took over from myself,’ Tinubu says, cites Buhari era as continuity

President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s economic policies, insisting he bears full responsibility for ongoing reforms while urging Nigerians to remain patient amid current challenges.

Speaking on Thursday during an engagement with party stakeholders with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Governor Hope Uzodima of Imo State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the president said he had listened to concerns about the economy but dismissed attempts to distance his government from that of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

“I’ve listened to you… I didn’t have to look back, because the truth is, I took over from myself. The late Buhari is me. He was a partner,” Tinubu said, suggesting continuity between both administrations. “If something is wrong, fine—live with it, correct it, move on.”

The president described the current period as a critical opportunity to “break the shackles of poverty and ignorance,” adding that his administration remains committed to delivering prosperity and sustaining democratic values.

Tinubu also stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law, warning against disobedience to court orders.

He urged Nigerians to uphold democratic principles, including the independence of the judiciary and separation of powers, regardless of personal or political outcomes.

“We cannot submit to disobedience of a lawful order of a court. We must embrace the judiciary, whether it favours us or not,” he said.

Reaffirming his “Renewed Hope” agenda, the president called for unity and collective responsibility in nation-building, insisting that Nigeria’s progress depends on a shared vision.

“There is no other path to national greatness than building one nation with a common vision for progress and prosperity,” he added.