President defends economic reforms, says Nigeria’s economy has been stabilised ahead of 2027 elections.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday took a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the privatisation of public enterprises during the c, saying his government is now settling pension obligations left unpaid from that era.
President Tinubu made the remark at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving political, traditional and community leaders from the North-East who paid him a thank-you visit following the reaffirmation of Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
Without mentioning Atiku by name, the President referred to one of his prospective opponents in the 2027 election who chaired the privatisation programme under the Obasanjo administration, accusing him of failing to protect the interests of pensioners affected by the reforms.
“If I can go political, somebody among my prospective opponents privatised government investments in public entities, but they forgot to pay the pension. I’m clearing the pensions now, so clearing the mess they created. But I won’t complain,” Tinubu said.
The President defended his administration’s economic policies, insisting that difficult but necessary reforms had stabilised the nation’s economy.
“As a President and as a man who has been nominated for a second term, I hold democracy, consistency, dedication and steady focus to stabilise the country, the polity and the economy. One of the greatest aspects of it is the economy. The economy is already stabilised,” he stated.
President Tinubu thanked governors from the North-East for their support and urged them to intensify efforts towards regional development. He recalled fulfilling requests made by Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, for critical road infrastructure projects in the region.
“I want to say thank you very much. I want to charge you to do more. I remember Inuwa Yahaya’s passionate plea for some road network in the North-East. We have fulfilled the promise,” he said.
The President also stressed that tackling terrorism and banditry requires sustained collaboration among all levels of government, describing national unity as Nigeria’s greatest strength.
“I could see the leadership of the North-East challenged because of terrorism and banditry. I could see our collaboration that we work together. Only if we stick together, think together and face the challenges the best way possible as a united country,” he added.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, President Tinubu declared that Nigeria had entered a new phase of recovery.
“The golden age is here now. If you can stabilise the economy, Nigerians are not asking for too much; simple stability and social welfare,” he said, adding jokingly to pensioners present at the event, “I hope you are receiving your pensions.”
The President assured the delegation that his administration would remain committed to democratic governance, national unity and national prosperity.
“We have our hands on the plough, we’re never going to look back. Through the twists and turns of this democracy, Nigeria will survive and we’ll find our unity in diversity, a good path for democratic stability and prosperity in the country. I promise you, we’ll do our best,” Tinubu stated.
Earlier, President Tinubu expressed appreciation to political leaders and traditional rulers from the North-East, including the Shehu of Borno, whom he described as one of the leaders of conscience he consulted in reaffirming his commitment to democracy.