Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that the toughest phase of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is over, promising Nigerians improved economic conditions and prosperity if the government secures a second term in 2027. Shettima said the administration had laid the foundation for economic recovery through……
Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that the toughest phase of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is over, promising Nigerians improved economic conditions and prosperity if the government secures a second term in 2027.
Shettima said the administration had laid the foundation for economic recovery through what he described as painful but necessary reforms, adding that the next four years would focus on delivering the benefits of the policies to Nigerians.
He made the remarks on Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, where he solicited support for the re-election of President Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said the administration had completed the most difficult part of its economic reset.
“We are confident of this promise to deliver for this nation because we have already done the most difficult job of economic reset. None of the other options available has the capacity to move the needle of the economy. We have rescued the economy, and the road ahead is one of harvest,” he said.
“This second term is one of harvest, for you and all Nigerians.”
Shettima urged voters to renew the mandate of Tinubu and himself, while also seeking another term for Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, in Cross River State.
“I therefore stand before you today to ask you, once again, to renew the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and myself as Vice President. And another term for Senator Bassey Edet Otu and Hon. Peter Odey as Governor and Deputy Governor of Cross River State, respectively,” he added.
The Vice President said the APC’s appeal for another term was based on its commitment to progress, prosperity, opportunities and the dignity of Nigerians.
He maintained that political authority belonged to the people and that elected officials seeking renewed mandates must present their records and programmes for public scrutiny.
Shettima also identified Cross River as a major beneficiary of the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure and economic agenda, citing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the projects expected to transform the state.
He said the highway would improve the movement of people and goods, expand tourism, attract investments and generate employment opportunities across coastal communities.
“This transformative infrastructure project will connect coastal communities. It will ease the movement of goods and people. It will expand tourism. It will attract investors and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” he said.
“Our vision is for Cross River to become a major beneficiary of this economic revolution.”
On other infrastructure projects, Shettima said the Federal Government had approved and supported the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, expressing confidence that it would become an international maritime gateway capable of attracting shipping companies, stimulating industrial development and creating jobs.
He also identified the proposed Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar as another opportunity to boost the state’s international profile, tourism and commercial activities.
The Vice President further assured the state of the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the dispute over 46 oil wells, saying the move would strengthen Cross River’s maritime identity and expand its opportunities in the blue economy.
On education, Shettima said Cross River had benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as an intervention aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and improving access to higher education.
He said the administration would continue to prioritise education through initiatives such as Project HOPE Education, which focuses on foundational learning, teacher development, school management and accountability.
Shettima, however, acknowledged the economic difficulties facing households, saying the government remained committed to addressing concerns raised by citizens and correcting policies and interventions that failed to meet public expectations.
“The people are the purpose,” he said, insisting that continuity in government should not prevent citizens from demanding accountability.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, urged Cross River residents to support the party at all levels in the 2027 elections.
Yilwatda cited the Federal Government’s efforts towards the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, the resuscitation of the Calabar Port and the Trans-Sahara Superhighway as reasons the party deserved another opportunity.
Governor Bassey Otu, in his welcome address, commended Tinubu for undertaking what he described as difficult reforms to reposition the country for sustainable development.
He listed the administration’s policies in agriculture, education, industry and security, expressing confidence that Cross River residents would support the President’s re-election.
The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, also endorsed Tinubu’s second-term bid, dismissing suggestions that the President would not enjoy support from northern Nigeria.
Earlier, Shettima had visited the palace of the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, where he explained that the visit was to pay homage to the traditional institution and intimate the monarch about the party’s aspirations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Vice President praised the monarch for his commitment to preserving Efik culture and traditions, describing his dedication as worthy of emulation by political leaders.
The Obong of Calabar, in his response, called for unity and peaceful coexistence among traditional rulers and residents of the state, while commending the Tinubu administration for undertaking difficult economic reforms.
The rally was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Monday Okpebholo of Edo and Hope Uzodimma of Imo, alongside APC leaders and members of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council.
