PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the consistent implementation of his administration’s economic reforms has stabilised Nigeria’s economy, ushering the country into what he described as a “golden era” where Nigerians are poised to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
News Point Nigeria reports that President Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday while receiving a delegation of stakeholders from the North-East geopolitical zone led by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President attributed the success of the reforms to the unwavering support and collaboration of state governments, commending the role played by sub-national administrations in implementing policies aimed at repositioning the economy.
The delegation included Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, the Shehu of Borno, HRH Umar Garbai Al-Kanemi, the Aku Uka of Wukari, HRM Dr. Manu Ishaku Matakhitswen, the Emir of Fika, HRH Alhaji Dr. Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, and the Emir of Gombe, HRH Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar.
Other members of the delegation comprised former Vice President-elect in the 1993 presidential election, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, ministers, senators, members of the House of Representatives and former Service Chiefs from the North-East.
President Tinubu urged the governors to intensify efforts at consolidating the gains of the ongoing economic reforms and ensure that Nigerians fully understand the country’s development trajectory while participating in and benefiting from the process.
“The economy is already stabilised. To many of the governors here present, I want to say thank you very much, and I want to charge you to do more. The golden era is here now. Nigerians are not asking for too much: simple stability, social welfare,” the President said.
The President also stressed the need for stakeholders in the North-East to sustain unity in the fight against terrorism and banditry while promoting socio-economic development across the region.
“I could see the leadership of the Northeast challenged because of terrorism and banditry. I could see our collaboration. We work together, we stick together, we think together, and we face the challenges the best way possible as a united country,” he said.
President Tinubu also addressed pension issues, assuring retirees that his administration was addressing inherited liabilities.
“Among the visitors today are some pensioners. I hope you are receiving your pensions if you are affiliated to the government. If I can go political – somebody among my prospective opponents; they privatised government investment in public entities. But they forget to pay the pensioners; I’m clearing the pensions now, clearing the mess they created.
“I promise you through the twists and turns of this democracy, Nigeria will survive, and I will find our unity in diversity, a good path for democratic stability and prosperity in the country. I promise you we’ll do our best,” the President added.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the region’s leaders and elders, particularly the traditional rulers whom he described as leaders of conscience.
He paid special tribute to the Shehu of Borno, HRH Umar Garbai Al-Kanemi, whom he said he consulted before declaring his presidential ambition, and also acknowledged Ambassador Babagana Kingibe for his role in his political development.
“Your Excellencies, let me acknowledge Babagana Kingibe, my leader and a mentor who helped cut my teeth politically as the first national chairman of the Social Democratic Party,” the President said.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Governor Zulum said the visit was to appreciate President Tinubu for re-nominating Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
The Borno governor reaffirmed the North-East’s commitment to the success of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket and pledged continued support for the administration’s programmes and policies.
“We will continue to support the programmes and policies of your government. We will continue to mobilise our people to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots. We are fired up that come 2027, the Northeast will massively deliver your ticket and all other APC candidates at all levels,” Zulum said.
Governor Zulum also commended President Tinubu for ongoing infrastructural development across the North-East, particularly road projects and efforts to rehabilitate Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
“We wish to acknowledge and register our profound appreciation to your administration for the commencement of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Expressway, among other strategic road projects in the Northeast region, which will positively impact the security of lives and properties of our people,” he said.
In his remarks, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe praised President Tinubu’s leadership, vision and commitment to implementing difficult but necessary economic reforms.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the North-East leaders to support the Tinubu-Shettima presidential ticket in the 2027 election to consolidate the gains of the administration’s economic reforms.
“We are here to reaffirm and recommit ourselves to be his partner in ensuring that his efforts continue. As our leader, the Governor of Borno State said, for the next five years, we are not active politicians that you see on the screens or in the media every day, but we are there with our people; we guide them.
“We explain to them what the implications of government policies are and what the alternatives would be. We are there to give legitimacy because our people trust us, our people believe in us. And they know that wherever we are, that’s where truth and hope stand.
“Mr President, we are with you, we are with your administration and by the grace of God, you will continue where we stopped in 1993 and bring hope to our great fatherland,” Kingibe said.