Tinubu @74: Shettima, Akpabio, Abbas, governors hail reforms, cite increased funds for states
… Leaders say policies boosting subnational revenues, reducing borrowing … Governors report visible economic turnaround, falling food prices … National Assembly praises cordial executive-legislative relations Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate
... Leaders say policies boosting subnational revenues, reducing borrowing
... Governors report visible economic turnaround, falling food prices
... National Assembly praises cordial executive-legislative relations
- From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and state governors on Sunday hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, saying it has significantly increased funds available to states and accelerated development at the subnational level.
The leaders spoke during activities marking the President’s 74th birthday, where they commended his economic policies and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s recovery trajectory.
Vice President Shettima described the occasion as a reflection of the President’s enduring commitment to national service.
“It’s a celebration of service to humanity. It’s a celebration of forgiveness, of resilience, of commitment to the common good. We are wishing him, on behalf of a grateful nation, many more years of meritorious service to humanity,” he said.
Senate President Akpabio, while offering prayers for the President, emphasised the synergy between the executive and legislature, noting that the administration inherited a fragile economy but is making steady progress.
“We wish him good health. We wish him peace of mind. And we pray that Almighty God will continue to endow him with wisdom, with a sound mind, and with the tolerance that he has exhibited so far,” he said.
He added that reforms have strengthened fiscal federalism, enabling states to access more resources for development.
“The relationship between the legislature and the executive has been very cordial… We met a very bad economy, and therefore the process of getting out of it has to be everybody’s business. States are getting more funds now for development, and many states are not borrowing. They are very excited that true federalism is being upheld. So we are sure that we are on the right path,” Akpabio stated.
Speaker Abbas described the President’s milestone as significant, noting that his leadership comes at a critical time in the nation’s history.
“It is indeed a day of history, a day of joy for all of us in the National Assembly… With the accomplishments he has been bringing to this dear country, it is our candid prayer that Mr. President will continue to be guided by the will of Allah and that the best of him is yet to come,” he said.
Governors, led by Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, credited Tinubu’s policies with driving transformation across states.
“The courage of Mr. President is unprecedented. We see light at the end of the tunnel. The economy is turning around because of investment in infrastructure,” AbdulRazaq said.
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He urged Nigerians to look beyond the centre to see the impact of reforms at the state level.
“You should go to the states, go to the sub-nationals… The transformation is phenomenal. And all this is because of increased revenue brought about by the policies of Mr. President. The policies are working,” he added, noting that investments in agriculture are beginning to lower food prices.
The governors also commended Tinubu’s recent decision to donate his salary to a fund supporting victims within the armed forces, describing it as a demonstration of compassionate leadership.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, said the administration has introduced bold and innovative policies that are already repositioning the economy.
“The president since his assumption of office has introduced a lot of bold policies, reforming the economy, giving new directions… Our country has gradually changed for the better,” he said.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, expressed solidarity with the President’s agenda, noting the broad support it enjoys among governors.
“We’re very proud of the president for his reforms and also proud to be associated with him. That is why you have seen all the governors rally around the president today,” he said.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, also affirmed the impact of the reforms, linking them to increased allocations to states.
“He has done well for this nation. His reforms and policies are already working, and the states are getting more money,” he said, highlighting the growing political alignment behind the President.
