Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the administration’s bold reforms over the past two years, noting that the government’s policies have helped stabilise the economy, attract investment, and strengthen national security.
Speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with President Tinubu at the State House on Thursday, in Abuja, the All Progressives Congress Chieftain and Senator representing Yobe North senatorial district highlighted what he described as the administration’s “courageous and profound steps” in reshaping the economy and expanding the security budget.
He noted that the armed forces and other agencies are receiving more resources now and are expected to deliver better results.
Senator Lawan stressed that Nigeria has made significant strides, adding that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the nation is now on the right path and experiencing steady, measurable growth.
“Mr. President, in the last two years or so, has been taking very bold, courageous, profound steps, through various reforms, to position the economy of our country and also ramp up so much investments in the security sector to make our country safer.
“The security situation is improving, even though we have challenges, but I believe that the huge investments this administration is making is going to pay off. And I believe that our armed forces and other security agencies are also so committed, but as we give them more resources, we should expect them to do more and better.
“Mr. President is our leader. I support this administration and Mr. President fully believing that as a loyal APC (All Progressives Congress) member, I should do my best to make this administration succeed.
“And as a legislator, as a senator, I have the responsibility to ensure that my senatorial district and indeed the country, benefit from this administration. Where we feel the administration needs to refocus, work or reconsider certain issues, we’ll always do so because that will make our performance more efficient and effective,” the Former Senate President added.
Responsive President
Describing President Tinubu as both accessible and responsive, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, noted that public outcry over certain government policies has, on several occasions, prompted the administration to review or reconsider those measures in line with popular demand.
“So I believe that it’s very important that we come here to see Mr. President, tell him what we feel about certain political or governmental issues, advice, and also seek advice from Mr president as our leader. We are behind him fully to ensure that this administration and subsequent APC administrations deliver to Nigerians what Nigerians expect and actually need.
“If I can have access to my president, if I have anything to say about the administration or my party, then I should meet the president, give my advice or seek advice as quickly as possible, and be purposeful and reasonable and patriotic enough to make sure we don’t cause unnecessary upheavals in our political systems.”
READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom Governor Reaffirms Support for President Tinubu’s Reforms
Meanwhile, Senator Lawan has cautioned Nigerians regardless of their status or position in society against showing disrespect toward the nation’s armed forces.
He noted that Nigeria is served by dedicated men and women who routinely put their lives on the line for the country, and as such, they deserve respect, recognition, and support.
“Well, let me commend our armed forces and other security agencies for doing so much for us to protect our lives and property. I head the Senate Committee on Defence and I did that once in 2015. I know how committed our armed forces are, I know how they give their lives for the sake of this country. They deserve our respect, they deserve our support at all times.
“This administration is giving a lot of funds to the armed forces and other security agencies and I believe that the next thing is to insist on getting returns from the investments we make.
“But Nigerians regardless of our status, must respect our armed forces. For me personally I have worked closely with our armed forces and they are doing a very good job, we need to give them a pat on the back, we need to support them.”
2026 Budget
Further speaking on the National Assembly’s current stance on January to December budget circle, Senator Lawan said there was no cause for alarm.
“No, that’s not something I can tell you whether we are going to the old order or whatever. But I think everybody is aware that time is of essence when it comes to budget for the country, and I’m sure both the executive and the legislature are working very closely to ensure that the 2026 budget estimates is presented to the National Assembly as quickly as possible.
“We have no time to waste, and I’m sure the executive arm of government knows how important it is, and they must be working so hard around the clock to ensure that the correct things are presented in National Assembly, and we will not waste any time to ensure that we process properly and then we scrutinise and pass the budget as quickly as possible,” he said.