2027: ‘Hardest Part Of Economic Reforms Over, Next Tinubu Term Will Be Harvest’ – Shettima

2027: ‘Hardest Part Of Economic Reforms Over, Next Tinubu Term Will Be Harvest’ – Shettima

 

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has declared that the most difficult phase of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is over, promising Nigerians a period of economic recovery, growth and prosperity if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secures another four-year mandate in 2027.

 

Shettima gave the assurance on Monday in Calabar, Cross River State, while addressing party supporters at the APC presidential campaign rally, where he canvassed votes for President Tinubu, himself, Governor Bassey Otu and other candidates of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The Vice-President described the economic reforms implemented since the administration assumed office in May 2023 as difficult but necessary decisions that had laid the foundation for a stronger Nigerian economy.

 

According to him, the sacrifices Nigerians have endured under the reforms would begin to yield greater benefits in the coming years, insisting that the next four years would be dedicated to translating the government’s economic policies into improved living conditions for citizens.

 

He maintained that the administration had already undertaken the most challenging aspects of its economic restructuring programme and argued that opposition parties lacked the capacity to significantly change the country’s economic direction.

 

“We have rescued the economy, and the road ahead is one of harvest. This second term is one of harvest, for you and all Nigerians,” Shettima declared.

 

He urged Nigerians to renew the mandate of Tinubu and himself, while also appealing for another term for Governor Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, describing the APC leadership as partners committed to progress, prosperity and opportunities for the people.

 

The Vice-President said the party was seeking another mandate because it believed its administration had more work to accomplish, adding that those entrusted with political authority must return to the electorate with an account of their stewardship and a convincing programme for the future.

 

Shettima, however, acknowledged that citizens had legitimate questions and concerns, stressing that political support should not prevent Nigerians from demanding accountability from their leaders.

 

He assured that the Federal Government would continue to listen to complaints about economic hardship, address neglected communities and correct policies or actions that failed to serve the public interest.

 

A major highlight of his address was the Federal Government’s infrastructure plans for Cross River State, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he described as a transformative project capable of opening up the state’s economic potential.

 

Shettima said the decision to embark on the coastal highway was informed by the administration’s determination to connect Cross River and other coastal communities to wider economic opportunities.

 

He explained that the project would facilitate the movement of people and goods, promote tourism, attract investments and generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

 

The Vice-President expressed confidence that Cross River would become one of the major beneficiaries of the infrastructure-driven economic agenda of the Tinubu administration.

 

He also highlighted the proposed Bakassi Deep Sea Port, disclosing that the project had received Federal Government approval and support.

 

According to him, the administration is committed to ensuring that the long-awaited maritime project becomes a reality and positions Cross River as an important international shipping and commercial destination.

 

He said the deep seaport would attract shipping companies, stimulate industrial development, create employment and provide opportunities for businesses, factories and households through increased commercial activities.

 

Shettima further identified the proposed location of the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar as another opportunity to strengthen the state’s international profile.

 

He noted that hosting the regional institution would attract diplomatic and commercial activities, boost hospitality and tourism, create jobs and improve Cross River’s participation in regional economic cooperation.

 

On the longstanding dispute involving 46 oil wells, the Vice-President said the Federal Government recognised Cross River’s littoral status and appreciated the state’s efforts towards resolving the matter.

 

He assured that the government was prepared to work towards a resolution, which he said could strengthen the state’s maritime identity and create opportunities for greater participation in the blue economy, maritime investments and potential derivation benefits.

 

The Vice-President also highlighted the Federal Government’s education intervention programmes, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying Cross River had benefited from the disbursement of funds under the initiative.

 

He explained that the programme was designed to ease the financial burden on parents, prevent students from abandoning their education because of financial difficulties and expand access to higher education.

 

Shettima insisted that no parent should be forced to watch a child’s educational potential go to waste because of a lack of money.

 

He linked the initiative to Project HOPE Education, which he said was aimed at strengthening foundational learning, improving teacher development, enhancing school management and expanding access to quality education.

 

Earlier, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, urged the people of Cross River to support the party at all levels in the 2027 elections, describing Tinubu as a change agent deserving of another opportunity to lead the country.

 

Yilwatda cited the Federal Government’s support for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, efforts to revive the Calabar Port and the proposed Trans-Sahara Superhighway among the reasons Cross River residents should support the APC.

 

In his welcome address, Governor Bassey Otu praised Tinubu for what he described as the courage and foresight demonstrated in steering Nigeria through difficult economic circumstances.

 

Otu said the President’s policies in agriculture, education, industry and security were laying the foundation for sustainable national development.

 

He expressed confidence that Cross River residents would support Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that the benefits of the administration’s policies were already emerging and would become more evident in the years ahead.

 

Also speaking, the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, declared that Tinubu had performed creditably and deserved a second term.

 

Yari also dismissed suggestions that the North would not support the President’s re-election, expressing confidence in the ruling party’s chances in the forthcoming presidential election.

 

The campaign activities also included a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, where Shettima and other APC leaders paid homage to the traditional ruler.

 

The Vice-President said the visit was intended to familiarise the monarch with the party’s aspirations ahead of the 2027 elections and demonstrate respect for the traditional institution.

 

He commended the Obong for his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and values of the Efik people, describing his dedication as worthy of emulation by political leaders.

 

Governor Otu also sought royal blessings and support for the APC and the Tinubu-led Federal Government.

 

Responding, the Obong of Calabar thanked the delegation for the visit and commended the President’s willingness to undertake difficult economic reforms, which he said could produce long-term benefits for the country.

 

The monarch also called for greater unity and peaceful coexistence among traditional rulers and residents of Cross River State.

 

Prominent political figures at the rally included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Monday Okpebholo of Edo and Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, alongside members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and party leaders from across the South-South and other parts of the country.

 

The rally forms part of the APC’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the party seeking to consolidate its political support across the country and secure a fresh mandate for the Tinubu administration.

 

 

2027: ‘Hardest Part Of Economic Reforms Over, Next Tinubu Term Will Be Harvest’ – Shettima