During his first Diaspora engagement in France, Tinubu expressed relief that the situation was being addressed, remarking, "The financial system was rotten. Few people were making away with our money...that is gone now; the man (Emefiele) is in the hands of the authorities." This statement comes precisely two weeks after Emefiele's suspension, which was carried out to facilitate investigations into his office and initiate planned reforms in the financial sector.
Authorities have taken significant action following Emefiele's suspension, as he was later arrested and is presently detained by the Department of State Services. Operatives conducting the investigation reportedly discovered crucial documents during a search of Emefiele's residence in Lagos.
In his address, Tinubu reassured Nigerians that his administration would undertake further financial reforms in the coming weeks. He acknowledged the previous shortcomings, remarking, "Few people were making away with our money and then you yourselves stopped sending money home to our poor parents. That is gone now. The man (Emefiele) is in the hands of authorities; something is being done about that; they will sort themselves out."
Tinubu also touched on the pressing issue of security challenges facing the country, suggesting a possible connection to the financial system. He emphasized the need to address all factors contributing to insecurity and pledged to revamp the financial system for the benefit of the people.
Drawing upon his experience as the former governor of Lagos State, Tinubu highlighted the successful financial reforms implemented during his tenure. He, along with his Special Adviser on Monetary Policy, Wale Edun, was instrumental in transforming the state's finances, resulting in a substantial increase in internally generated revenue from N600 million annually to a staggering N50 billion per month. Tinubu expressed confidence in replicating this success on a national scale.
Addressing the audience, Tinubu made a promise to serve all Nigerians, regardless of their voting preferences in the recent election. He stated, "Whether you voted for me or you didn't vote for me, I am your president. By the grace of God, I have to work on your behalf." Recognizing the enormity of the challenges facing Nigeria, Tinubu expressed his preparedness for the task at hand and urged the populace to remain hopeful, emphasizing the power of perseverance, determination, and persistence.
Sharing his personal journey, Tinubu empathized with Nigerians living in the diaspora, stating, "I know the road, and I've been through what many of you have been through outside the country. I've been in America and in the UK; I had been a night guard, security man, and a door man in America. But I have achieved my aim."
In a separate engagement, President Tinubu welcomed the President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, expressing Nigeria's readiness to collaborate with Benin toward mutual economic prosperity. Recognizing the interdependence of both nations, particularly in the areas of trade, security, and border controls, Tinubu emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties. He assured Talon that his administration would maintain openness and accessibility to neighboring countries.
Responding to Tinubu's remarks, President Talon expressed his renewed hope for the sub-region and Africa following Tinubu's inauguration. Pledging support in the realms of trade and security policy, especially at the borders, Talon affirmed his commitment to fostering collaboration and shared progress.