Protests: 60m Arewa youths declare support for Tinubu, Akpabio

Over 60 million Northern youths under the aegis of Arewa Youth Consultative Movement, have declared support to the leadership of the Senate President, and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

They said their “support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Akpabio is sacrosanct” , adding that ” these two leaders from the South supported former President Muhammadu Buhari and Senator Ahmad Lawan as President and Senate President, and it behoves on us to reciprocate this gesture.”

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, the National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Movement, Kabiru Yusuf, said President Bola Tinubu is widely acknowledged for his significant accomplishments in human capacity development and infrastructural enhancement in Nigeria.

” 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.”

“Nyesom Wike, the Minister of FCT, Abuja, has been praised for his significant contributions to the infrastructural development of the FCT. He is the first FCT Minister to create such an impact in less than 18 months in office. Mohammed Musa Bello ( 2015-2023) left no legacy project, and Bala Mohammed ( 2010-2015) left no impact despite spending 4 years in the saddle. The same with Nasir El-Rufai ( 2003-2007). But no northerner came out to campaign for their removal.”

“Nyesom Wike’s successful completion of various projects, including Nigeria’s Vice President’s official residence, road construction, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, reflects his commitment to progress and development.”

“Nyesom Wike’s impact on the development of Abuja can be likened to a skilled architect meticulously crafting a masterpiece. Just as an architect carefully designs and constructs a building, Wike has strategically planned and executed various infrastructure projects to uplift and transform the landscape of the FCT, Abuja.”

“The prevailing indices suggest that Southern leaders in positions of authority are committed to shaping a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth and the generations to come. Let us unite in solidarity and endorse the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as well as Senator Godswill Akpabio’s leadership in the National Assembly.”

“We condemn in strong terms the call by some sections of the North for the resignation of performing leaders just because they are Southerners. We are not part of it. And we will never be part of it.”

“We call for the support of one united indivisible Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio working together for executive and legislative synergy together with a pragmatic judiciary to salvage Nigeria and to give us a better future. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,”the youths said.