Tinubu inherited an economy in shambles — Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress administration has recorded enough achievements to present to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting the government inherited a difficult economic situation when it assumed office in 2023.

Akpabio made the remark during a courtesy visit by members of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, TETFund and NELFund, led by its chairman, Senator Dandutse Mohammed, at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. His Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, August 25.

The Senate President claimed that 27 states were unable to pay workers’ salaries and pensions when President Tinubu took office, arguing that the situation had since improved under the current administration.

“The current President has done a lot for Nigerians. He met an economy in shambles. When he came in, 27 states could not pay salaries and pensions, but today, the story has changed because of his reengineering and thinking out of the box. In 2027, Nigerians will separate the chaff from the grains and re-elect President Tinubu for a second term in office.”

Akpabio said the APC would campaign on what he described as the administration’s achievements across several sectors, including the economy, agriculture, security, education and fiscal policy, while also criticising opposition figures for failing to acknowledge the government’s performance.

“We have a President who thinks outside the box, bringing about innovation. We will have something to tell Nigerians about the unprecedented achievements of Mr President at the campaign grounds. Someone who is challenging him cannot even tell us what he did when he was governor.”

He also defended the performance of the 10th National Assembly, saying the Senate under his leadership had passed legislation aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians and would continue working with the executive arm of government. “The 10th Senate under my leadership has made giant strides, and we are very proud of it. We will continue to collaborate with the Executive arm of government to achieve more for Nigerians.”

Akpabio further urged lawmakers who may not return for the 11th Senate to remain loyal to the APC and President Tinubu, assuring them that their commitment to the party and the administration would be recognised.

Earlier, Senator Mohammed said the committee’s visit formed part of its constitutional oversight responsibilities and provided an opportunity to pay homage to the Senate President. He praised the leadership of the Senate and said legislation relating to TETFund and NELFund had contributed to educational development and benefited Nigerian students and families.