Remi Tinubu donates N25m, making a total N1.47b in 4 months
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Remi Tinubu on Wednesday continued her supposed philanthropy with a new N25 million largesse to elderly people in Rivers, a total N1.47 billion “donations” for the needy in the past four months alone, without explanation from her or her husband as to where the money comes from for what she flaunts as “personal” donations.
Remi occupies the Office of the First Lady. The office is unconstitutional, yet President Bola Tinubu allocated N1.5 billion to it in the 2023 supplementary budget, which has drawn public outrage.
A human rights lawyer has filed a lawsuit against the illegal allocation at an Abuja Federal High Court.
Citizens are contending with great hardship as their purchasing power is further eroded by naira scarcity coupled with high inflation, despite Tinubu’s gimmick of taking money from the treasury and donating it to the needy through his wife and others for media optics and personal aggrandisement.
Remi donated N500 million to displaced families in Plateau in September 2023, and in December that year donated N950 million to military retirees and senior citizens, a total of at least N1.45 billion in three months.
She has just donated another N25 million to old people in Rivers, a total N1.47 billion worth of “philanthropy” in four months.
Where does she get the money from?
A pro-Tinubu group called ‘Asiwaju For All’ in December last year began distribution of 22,200 bags of 50kg rice worth millions of naira in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and other Northern states “to support the less privileged in celebrating” Christmas.
Explained clearly, Tinubu – who has never disclosed the source or value of his fabled wealth – is literally diverting public funds by several means to “donate” to Nigerians to make it look like he is supporting them from his private pocket, in order to get personal praise. Another forgery.
And this is part of the tricks of Governors and other politicians: Steal trillions from the public treasury (money that should have been officially used to provide infrastructure to improve living standards) then make a personal donation of a few millions from the loot for political gain.
Donation “borne out of Tinubu’s commitment” to supporting the poor
Remi, represented by Valeri, Wife of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, presented cash gifts of N100,000 each to 250 selected elderly persons in Rivers, saying it is part of Tinubu’s agenda of enhancing the socio-economic growth of the country.
“This was borne out of the commitment and the determination of the President agenda towards supporting the aged and the elderly, to enable them engage in productive ventures,” she stressed.
“We are fully committed and determined to improve the welfare of the aged and the elderly citizens.
She enthused the initiative would further promote inclusiveness and compassion among Nigerians, as no one would be left out, and the elderly would be prioritised in recognition of their immense contributions to national development.
“This scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens, aged 65 and above. This is also to cushion the effect of the economic situation as well as alleviate the economic hardship being experienced by our esteemed elders.”
“I urge you to embrace life to the fullest, prioritise your health, nurture your minds and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God.”
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Tinubu’s N532b budget too little to fight Nigeria’s huge poverty, Edu cries out
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Largesse to go round all demographics
Remi gave an assurance the young, the old, and the less privileged would also be supported through economic empowerment initiatives, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
”We will empower millions of families, while training would be provided for farmers on how to access fertilizers, seedlings and equipment to boost agricultural productivity.”
Valerie herself pledged the Renewed Hope Initiative of the President will be replicated in Rivers as it is dear to the heart of her husband the Governor, so the state can succeed in all areas.
Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu said the scheme is a cheering demonstration of concern for the elderly across the country as the beneficiaries are empowered with financial grants and taught the importance of regular medical check-ups.
Joseph Ede, 67, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, applauded the initiative by Tinubu and promised they would make judicious use of the largesse.
He described it as timely desirous, especially considering the current economic situation, saying “we would ensure proper utilisation of the gifts”.