10th August, 2024
By Paul Dada
The Arewa Youth Consultative Movement (AYCM) says it believes President Bola Tinubu and the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, have made monumental achievements with the potential to cause economic recovery in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the ACYM, its National President, Kabir Yusuf, also said, Tinubu and Akpabio had taken steps to facilitate national unity and peaceful co-existence in the country.
Kabiru listed Coastal Superhighway Initiative, the South East Development Commission, the NYSC Trust Fund, and the Student Loan Scheme as part of the evidence showing the progress made by the Tinubu administration.
He said: “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 inclusivity 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”.
Kabiru wondered why no northerner protested during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari whose administration performed poorly. He lamented that Buhari left the country with a debt profile of over N70 trillion and failed to tackle the subsidy regime.
He implored Nigerian youths to be patient with the Tinubu administration and work together with it for a better Nigeria.
He particularly praised Akpabio for showing what he saw as an articulate and proactive leadership in the National Assembly.
“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.
“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. 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”.
He also said: “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.”
