60m Northern Youths Rally For Tinubu

The National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Movement, AYCM, Kabiru Yusuf says over 60 million youths in the northern parts of Nigeria are rooting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The youths have also extended their support for senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing the synergy between the Presidency and the National assembly.

Yusuf made the remark at a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, coming at a time when the critics of the administration warn that the president no longer enjoyed the groundswell of support he hitherto enjoyed in the region.

The recent massive hunger protests in the region, analysts insist, is a pointer that the north is really disenchanted with the Tinubu’s administration.

But speaking today in Kaduna, the youth group said their support for Tinubu and Akpabio is “sacrosanct”, noting that they decided to support the adminsitration the same way they supported President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group sited Tinubu’s milestone achievements, including the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway as reasons for supporting the president.

The administration’s achievements also include the signing of the South East Development Commission, SEDC, law, Students Loans initiative, amongst others, the Arewa youths said. 0

AYCM said, “The Coastal Superhighway Initiative, the South East Development Commission, The NYSC Trust Fund, and the Student Loan Scheme stand as tangible testaments to the forward-thinking leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Despite facing economic challenges, his administration has adeptly navigated the country’s affairs without accruing excessive debt, a departure from past administrations’ practices.

“According to Wale Edun, 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. 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 three refineries underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring efficient domestic petroleum supply and meeting the nation’s energy needs. Muhammadu Buhari’s administration ( 2015-2023) according to the Al-Jazeera metrics scorecard in 2023 showed an abysmal failure in leadership, leaving the country with a debt profile of over N70 trillion and a failure to tackle the subsidy regime. No northerners came out to protest for an End to bad governance.”

“We implore the youth, women, and men to exercise patience and solidarity with the government as we collectively work towards a better Nigeria.”

“The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio has been commended for his articulate and proactive leadership in the National Assembly. During his tenure in the 10th Assembly, several people-centric bills and initiatives, such as the Student Loan Bill and the NYSC Trust Fund Bill, were passed, significantly impacting youth empowerment. 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. Senator Bukola Saraki (2015-2019 ) passed the budget in 4 months ( march 2016) while Senator Ahmed Lawan( 2019-2023) passed it in 3 months ( Dec 2019). The Senate under Senator Godswill Akpabio rejected a proposed increase in electricity tariff in February 2024, a move that reflects Akpabio’s deep understanding of the financial challenges faced by Nigerians.”

“The collaborative efforts and transparency in engaging stakeholders have been particularly noteworthy, alongside the innovative legislative processes introduced to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Under Senator Godswill Akpabio’s leadership, 25 bills have been passed into law and 115 resolutions aimed at driving Nigeria’s socio-economic development, national cohesion, growth, and security stability.”

“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 is cross-prejudice and unhealthy to our polity,” the movement said.