Tinubu calls on governors to strengthen economic reforms, says Nigeria is thriving

President Bola Tinubu said sticking to economic reforms has steadied the economy. He believes Nigeria is now in a golden era and ready to enjoy the benefits of democracy.

Tinubu made this statement when he met a group of leaders from the Northeast zone, led by Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State. He credited the success of these reforms to the strong backing from local leaders.

The group also included Governors Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Mala Buni of Yobe State, and the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Kaletapwa Farauta. Others present were traditional leaders like the Shehu of Borno, Umar Al-Kanemi, and the Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar.

Also in attendance were Vice President-elect from the 1993 election, Babagana Kingibe, ministers, senators, House of Representatives members, and former military chiefs from the Northeast.

President Tinubu urged the governors to do more to build on the economic reforms. He wants Nigerians to fully understand how the country is growing, take part in it, and enjoy the benefits.

“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 stressed the need for leaders in the Northeast to stay united in the fight against terrorism and banditry. He also mentioned the need for social and economic growth in the region.

“I could see the leadership of the North-east 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 expressed gratitude to the leaders and elders of the region, especially the traditional rulers he called leaders of conscience. He particularly thanked the Shehu of Borno for his support during his presidential campaign, as well as Mr 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.

Gov Zulum, who leads the delegation, mentioned that the Northeast leaders came to thank the president for re-nominating Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the upcoming 2027 presidential election. He also reaffirmed their dedication 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 North-east will massively deliver your ticket and all other APC candidates at all levels,” Mr Zulum said.

The Borno governor praised President Tinubu’s work in improving infrastructure in the region and helping Internally Displaced Persons. He assured the president that the region will continue to back his administration.

“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 North-east region, which will positively impact the security of lives and properties of our people.”

In his remarks, Mr Kingibe praised the president’s leadership and commitment to driving necessary economic reforms. He also reaffirmed their support for the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential ticket in the upcoming 2027 election to build on the economic progress.

“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,” he said.