President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged that despite being deeply disliked by certain individuals, he remains the legitimately elected President of Nigeria.
During a visit to Benue State on Wednesday, Tinubu addressed the ongoing security crisis in the region, where repeated clashes have claimed hundreds of lives.
While speaking on leadership challenges, he remarked that criticism and animosity are inevitable in politics.
“Not everybody will like you in politics,” the President said.
“They hate me like hell too, but I am here. I am the President, and under a democratic regime, I made a promise that I will even protect my abusers and accusers with the principles of democracy and freedom of prosperity. We will protect them! Abuse me all you want.”
Tinubu assured that such hostility would not sway his dedication to democratic values. “But do not deter my commitment to upholding democracy,” he noted.
In his conversation with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tinubu underlined the importance of protecting human lives over livestock, referencing the farmer-herder conflicts that have long afflicted the region.
“The value of human life is greater than that of a cow,” he emphasized, warning that unresolved conflicts could invite political opportunists.
“It is only when you open the door to conflict that political enemies will come in. Political enemies, they do not want you to succeed. Are you just realizing that, Governor? No matter what I do, they will still abuse me.”
The President also revealed that he stays informed through the media and takes note of public opinion, including criticism.
“I read papers every time and listen to the TV when I have time… those that are abusing me and what type of abuse and I am learning from some of the critical ones too because I can’t see it all,” he said.
His comments come at a time when political tensions and insecurity remain high, particularly in Nigeria’s North Central zone.
Benue State, in particular, continues to suffer from cycles of violence and displacement due to ongoing communal conflicts.
This marks President Tinubu’s first visit to Benue since assuming office, amid rising demands for more decisive federal action to address the state’s long-running security crisis.
