President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, May 20, said some persons affected by his administration’s reforms in the foreign exchange and oil subsidy sectors were wishing him dead.

Tinubu said the decision to cancel multiple exchange rates and remove petrol subsidy had offended powerful interests who benefited from the old system.

The President spoke in Lagos at the launch of the book, “The NADECO Story,” written by Chief Ayo Opadokun.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals who played key roles in Nigeria’s democratic struggle under the National Democratic Coalition between 1994 and 1998.

Tinubu was represented at the event by a former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

Delivering Tinubu’s message, Osoba said the President was aware of alleged moves by some interests to disrupt peace in the country because of his economic reforms.

According to him, those who profited from foreign exchange round-tripping and petrol subsidy payments were unhappy with the administration’s policies.

“As for security, he says, I should let you know, that he is aware that there is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace of this country by people whom he knew he had offended by canceling multiple exchange rates and by canceling oil subsidies,” Osoba said.

“He said those cabals who are doing round-tripping will wish him dead any time, but he is determined that if that is the only thing he would do, he would make sure he rearranges the economy. No matter what, he is determined to face it. So that’s the message from Mr. President.”

Tinubu had, upon assumption of office in 2023, announced the removal of petrol subsidy and later introduced foreign exchange reforms, including the unification of exchange rates.

The policies have continued to generate debate across the country, with the government insisting that they were necessary to stabilise the economy, while many Nigerians have complained of rising living costs.