President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the sustained implementation of his administration’s economic reforms has stabilised the nation’s economy, repositioning Nigeria for a new era of growth and prosperity as citizens begin to reap the dividends of democracy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while receiving a delegation of stakeholders from the North-East led by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, acknowledged the role of the sub-national governments in the successful implementation of the administration’s economic reforms.
President Tinubu urged the governors to intensify efforts to consolidate the gains of the administration’s economic reforms, while ensuring that Nigerians understand the nation’s growth trajectory, actively participate in the transformation process, and equitably benefit from its outcomes.
“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,” he said.
The President emphasised the need for stakeholders in the Northeast to sustain unity in fighting terrorism and banditry, as well as advance socio-economic development in the region.
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“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.
“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 said.
President Tinubu thanked the leaders and elders of the region, especially the traditional rulers whom he described as leaders of conscience, and particularly, the Shehu of Borno HRH Umar Garbai Al-Kanemi, whom he consulted in the run-up to his presidential quest, as well as Babagana Kingibe.
“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.
Leader of the delegation, Professor Zulum, said the Northeast stakeholders were at the State House for a thank-you visit to Mr President for re-nominating Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the forthcoming 2027 presidential election.
Governor Zulum also reaffirmed their commitment to the success of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.
“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.
The delegation included Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Deputy Governor of Adamawa State Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta, Shehu of Borno, HRH Umar Garbai Al-Kanemi, Aku Uka of Wukari, HRM Dr Manu Ishaku Matakhitswen, Emir of Fika, HRH Alhaji Dr Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa and Emir of Gombe, HRH Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar.
Other members of the delegation were Vice President-elect in the 1993 election, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe; Ministers; Senators; House of Representatives Members; and former Service Chiefs from the North-east.
