TheCable

Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he got his wealth from real estate.

In an interview with the BBC aired on Tuesday, Tinubu said he “turned the value” of the real estate he inherited into the wealth he has.

The source of the politician’s wealth has been queried over the years following numerous allegations that have been levelled against him.

The former governor said since he stopped being in charge of Lagos in 2007, he has not taken an appointment or gotten a government contract.

“You’ve got to know how to analyse and how to ask questions, not in the accusatory format. Are they enemies of wealth? If they are not enemies of wealth, investments do yield,” he said.

“I have an example of Warren Buffet, one of the richest men in America and in the world. He started from stock buying and brokerages.

“I inherited great real estate; I turned the values around. I’m not denying my wealth.

“I was the most investigated, the most accused governor in opposition up to, you know, for eight years, up till 2007. And since I left the office I’m still there. I have not taken any appointment, no government contract.”

The former Lagos governor also denied claims that he gets money from the coffers of the Lagos government.

“Share what? Have they proven it? The World Bank, IMF have investigated the record in Lagos. What’s wrong with them? It’s envy,” he added.

Tinubu said he is qualified to be president because of his performance as governor.

“I’m different. I am Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I have governed Lagos, I have built a modern state that could be a country on its own. I have led an administration that was so prudent,” he said after he was asked why Nigerians should vote him.

“From N600 million IGR to N5 billion a month, that is a record; nobody else can brag about that. I’ve treated and tamed the Atlantic Ocean surge that would have perished many people in Lagos. The infrastructural renewal of Lagos is excellent. I have continuity in Lagos.”

He also expressed optimism that he would win the election, and said his priorities will be “security and economic recovery to accelerated development”.

“Things are going very well. I’m very confident that this election will be free and fair. I’m the front runner and that is why I’m getting many arrows,” he added.