*Pass confident votes on Tinubu, Akpabio
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Group, under the auspices of Arewa Youth Consultative Movement (AYCM), has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The group lamented that the 2015-2023 administration of President Muhammadu Bahhri showed an abysmal failure in leadership, leaving the country with a debt profile of over N70 trillion and a failure to tackle the subsidy regime, adding that no northerners came out to protest for an end to bad governance, quoting Al-Jazeera metrics scorecard 2023.
The National President of the movement, Comrade Kabiru Yusuf who address the press on behalf of the group said President Bola Tinubu was widely acknowledged for his significant accomplishments in human capacity development and infrastructural enhancement in Nigeria.
He said, President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have made monumental achievements geared towards economic recovery and the promotion of unity and peaceful coexistence in the country.
Kabiru explained that, the Coastal Superhighway Initiative, the South East Development Commission, The NYSC Trust Fund, and the Student Loan Scheme stand as tangible testaments to the forward-thinking leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that despite facing economic challenges, his administration has adeptly navigated the country’s affairs without accruing excessive debt, a departure from past administrations’ practices.
“According to Wale Edu, the Minister of Finance, the reintroduction of Forex and Petroleum Subsidy would jeopardize the progress Nigeria has made in reducing the percentage of revenue allocated to servicing debts, which has decreased from 98% to 67%. This could compel Nigeria to borrow for essential governmental functions, such as salary payments and infrastructure development.
“The decision to eliminate the oil subsidy was taken in the interest of the nation’s collective welfare.
“However, it has inadvertently led to a surge in prices of essential goods and food items, triggering protests and unrest, with some individuals and politicians exploiting the situation to advocate for a change in government, solely based on President Bola Tinubu’s Southern origin”, noting despite these challenges, we advocate for unity and inclucivity across all regions of the country.
“We make bold to declare that President Bola Tinubu remains resolute in forging collaboration and engagement with all stakeholders, including the youth, to realize the vision of a prosperous Nigeria.
“The ongoing refurbishment of the three refineries underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring efficient domestic petroleum supply and meeting the nation’s energy needs”, he said.
According to him, Muhammadu Buhari’s administration ( 2015-2023), according to the Al-Jazeera metrics scorecard in 2023 showed an abysmal failure in leadership, leaving the country with a debt profile of over N70 trillion and a failure to tackle the subsidy regime, adding no northerners came out to protest for an end to bad governance.
They implore the youth, women, and men to exercise patience and solidarity with the government as they collectively work towards a better Nigeria.
They maintained that, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has been commended for his articulate and proactive leadership in the National Assembly.
He maintaining that, in Akpabio’s tenure in the 10th Assembly, several people-centric bills and initiatives, such as the Student Loan Bill and the NYSC Trust Fund Bill, were passed, significantly impacting youth empowerment.
“In one month in office (December 2023) Senator Godswill Akpabio passed the budget for 2024 within record time. Whereas none of his predecessors were able to achieve such a feat.
AYCM noted that, the collaborative efforts and transparency in engaging stakeholders have been particularly noteworthy, alongside the innovative legislative processes introduced to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
They disclosed that, under Senator Godswill Akpabio’s leadership, 25 bills have been passed into law and 115 resolutions aimed at driving Nigeria’s socio-economic development, national cohesion, growth, and security stability.
“The synergy between the Senate and the executive branch has never been this cordial even during the tenure of Senator David Mark ( 2007-2015) who was the longest-serving Senate president.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio’s crucial role is facilitating governance and promoting national development, seeing Nigeria as one indivisible nation. Looking ahead, leaders must prioritize the welfare of the people and foster unity, peace and good governance to ensure sustainable progress in Nigeria.
According to them, the call by the North for Senator Godswill Akpabio to resign despite his legacy impact was cross-prejudice and unhealthy to our polity.
“The prevailing indices suggest that Southern leaders in positions of authority are committed to shaping a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth and the generations to come.
“Let us unite in solidarity and endorse the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as well as Senator Godswill Akpabio’s leadership in the National Assembly”, they said.
The group, condemned, in strong terms, the call by some sections of the North for the resignation of performing leaders just because they are Southerners. “We are not part of it”, stressing “we will never be part of it.
“We call for the support of one united indivisible Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio working together for executive and legislative synergy together with a pragmatic judiciary to salvage Nigeria and to give us a better future.”
End.
