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By Lawrence Agbo
Tonye Cole, the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, has said Nigerians may have to wait between two and three years before fully feeling the impact of Bola Tinubu’s reforms
Speaking on Political Paradigm, a programme on Channels Television, Cole explained that while macroeconomic indicators may begin to show signs of improvement, it could take more time for the benefits to reach ordinary citizens.
“If you ask me, I suspect that before you begin to see the impact at the very bottom, if you allow things to just move naturally, you are going to look for another two to three years before you see it,” he said.
He noted that people at the grassroots are primarily concerned with basic needs such as food, transportation and stable income, stressing that reforms must translate into tangible relief in these areas.
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“The man at the bottom… cares about feeding, transportation and getting a job that will at least pay.”
Cole added that governments must deliberately invest in broad-based welfare programmes to ensure that economic gains are widely distributed, arguing that Nigeria has struggled to effectively reach its large population.
Despite current hardships, he expressed optimism about Nigeria’s long-term economic outlook, citing growing investor confidence driven by ongoing Bola Tinubu’s reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification and tax changes.
On Rivers State politics, Cole described the situation as “deeply confused,” alleging that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has faced challenges in asserting leadership. He added that while the governor initially enjoyed public sympathy, many residents are becoming disillusioned.
Looking ahead to 2027, Cole said voters in the state are increasingly open to change, noting that credible and violence-free elections could significantly reshape the political landscape.
