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• says opposition lacks capacity for economic redirection, seeks re-election of President, Otu, others
• adds Cross River to benefit from coastal highway, deep seaport
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has declared that the most difficult phase of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms is over, promising that a renewed mandate for the administration in 2027 would usher in a period of economic recovery, growth and prosperity.
Shettima said the government had completed the difficult task of resetting the economy, insisting that the next four years would be devoted to translating the gains of its reforms into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
The Vice-President spoke on Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, where he canvassed support for the re-election of President Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu, his deputy, Peter Odey, and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that none of the opposition parties had the capacity to change the country’s economic direction, arguing that the Tinubu administration had already undertaken the difficult decisions required to reposition the economy.
“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. This second term is one of harvest, for you and all Nigerians,” he said.
Shettima urged Nigerians to renew the mandate of Tinubu and himself, as well as that of Otu and Odey, describing the APC administration as a platform for progress, prosperity, opportunity and dignity.
He said the party was seeking another mandate because political authority ultimately belonged to the people, adding that those entrusted with power must return to the electorate with an account of their stewardship and a programme worthy of renewed confidence.
The Vice-President said Cross River State was positioned to benefit significantly from the Federal Government’s infrastructure and economic initiatives, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
According to him, the highway, which is expected to connect coastal communities, ease the movement of people and goods, expand tourism and attract investment, will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
“This is the wisdom behind the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. 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. Our vision is for Cross River to become a major beneficiary of this economic revolution,” he said.
Shettima also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved and supported the Bakassi Deep Sea Port project, promising that the administration would work towards making it an international maritime gateway.
He said the project, when realised, would attract shipping companies, generate employment, stimulate industrial development and create opportunities for businesses and households through increased trade.
The Vice-President further said the Federal Government’s proposal to locate the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar would boost the state’s international profile, attract diplomatic and commercial activities, and stimulate tourism and hospitality businesses.
On the lingering dispute over 46 oil wells, Shettima assured the state that the Federal Government recognised its littoral status and was committed to ensuring a resolution that would strengthen its maritime identity and expand its opportunities in the blue economy.
He said a favourable resolution would open up prospects for greater participation in maritime investment and potential derivation benefits.
On education, the Vice-President said Cross River was among the beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as a critical intervention to expand access to higher education, ease the financial burden on parents and prevent students from dropping out because of financial constraints.
He also linked the initiative to Project HOPE Education, which he said was designed to strengthen foundational learning, improve teacher development, school management and access to quality education.
Shettima, however, acknowledged that the administration still had unfinished business, insisting that continuity must go hand in hand with accountability.
He said Nigerians should not be expected to abandon legitimate questions or concerns as a condition for supporting the government, pledging that the administration would continue to listen to households facing hardship, respond to communities experiencing neglect and address policies that failed the people.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, urged Cross River residents to support the party at all levels in the 2027 elections, describing Tinubu as a change agent deserving of another term.
He cited the Federal Government’s support for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, the planned resuscitation of the Calabar Port and the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, among other projects, as reasons the state should support the APC.
In his welcome address, Governor Otu commended Tinubu for what he described as his courage and foresight in steering the country through difficult economic conditions while pursuing sustainable development.
He listed the administration’s interventions in agriculture, education, industry and security, expressing confidence that the benefits of its policies would become more evident in the coming years.
Otu assured that Cross River residents would support Tinubu’s re-election, adding that the state was already experiencing the benefits of the administration’s reforms.
Similarly, the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, described Tinubu’s performance as deserving of a second term, dismissing suggestions that the North would not support the President’s re-election bid.
Also present at the rally were Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Monday Okpebholo of Edo and Hope Uzodimma of Imo State; members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and other party leaders from the South-South and beyond.
Earlier, Shettima had paid a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, where he said the visit was to pay homage to the traditional institution and intimate the royal father of the party’s aspirations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He praised the monarch for his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and values of the Efik people, describing his dedication as worthy of emulation by political leaders.
Governor Otu also sought the monarch’s blessings and support for the APC and the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
Responding, the Obong of Calabar thanked the delegation for the visit and urged political and traditional leaders, as well as residents, to promote unity and peaceful coexistence across the state.
He also commended Tinubu’s reforms, describing the President as a leader willing to undertake difficult decisions for the long-term benefit of the country and its people.
