Senate President Akpabio Defends Tinubu’s Efforts to Revive Nigeria’s Economy

The Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has asserted that Nigeria’s economy was already in a dire state before President Bola Tinubu took office in 2023. Akpabio emphasized that President Tinubu is committed to addressing the country’s economic challenges and improving the lives of Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.

Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, made these remarks during his Constituency Briefing and Empowerment event in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday. He reflected on the state of the economy when President Tinubu assumed office, stating, “President Tinubu met a very bad condition on ground, nobody envied him. He said he was determined to change the situation. Let us encourage him to change it. We believe that, in the end, we will move the country forward. He did it in Lagos before, and he will do it again in Nigeria. Just give him time, and he will take us to our El Dorado.”

The Senate President further noted that Nigeria’s economy was in critical condition when Tinubu was elected, adding, “I once asked him, Mr. President, after becoming the president and seeing the level of the economy that Emefiele left behind, are you excited? He said, well, I’m determined to change the situation.”

Akpabio also highlighted President Tinubu’s focus on regional development and constituency projects, which he believes will empower Nigerians across the country. He praised Tinubu’s efforts to address regional needs, citing the creation of regional commissions aimed at fostering development and providing opportunities for the people.

Particularly, Akpabio commended the president’s gestures towards the South East, citing the allocation of the Ministry of Works to the region and the signing of the South East Development Commission into law. He stressed that these actions were not based on political votes but on the needs of the region, noting the South East’s significant challenges, such as poor road infrastructure and ecological issues. Akpabio stated, “The president has shown the South East love. He has signed the South East Development Commission into an act of parliament, and key ministries have been allocated, including the Ministry of Works and the petroleum and gas ministry.”

He also noted that Akwa Ibom, a key oil and gas state, was benefiting from these developments. “Akwa Ibom is sitting on gas, all the way from Utapete down to Ibeno. Above all, the president allowed our state to produce the No. 3 Citizen, the Senate President. The last time we had such an opportunity was in 1979,” Akpabio remarked.

In conclusion, Akpabio expressed his gratitude for the support shown to Akwa Ibom State, particularly by the governor, Pastor Umo Eno. He praised the governor for fostering peace and inclusivity, stating, “Without peace, there will be no development. The governor has embraced all Akwa Ibom people, irrespective of political lines, even during Christmas.”