Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern politicians with aspirations for the presidency to exercise patience until 2031.
He asserted that the northern region’s turn for the presidency is not due in 2027, emphasising the need for continuity in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, hosted by Femi Akande, Akume defended President Tinubu’s economic policies and legislative proposals, particularly the Tax Reform Bills, describing them as necessary for Nigeria’s economic recovery.
“These bills are well-envisioned for Nigeria and Nigerians. Let us allow the legislative processes to take their course. These reforms will ultimately benefit everyone when fully implemented,” Akume stated.
Akume addressed the rising ambitions for the presidency in 2027, particularly from northern politicians, urging them to wait until 2031 and allow President Tinubu to focus on governance and a potential second term.
“President Tinubu should be allowed to serve a second term. Those from the North, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, should look beyond 2027 and consider 2031,” he said.
He further added, “If it is God’s will for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to become President, even at the age of 90, it will happen. But for now, they should let President Tinubu continue his work of repositioning the nation.”
The SGF highlighted the government’s economic strategies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonisation of foreign exchange windows, as crucial steps toward economic stabilisation.
“It is easy to destroy but difficult to build. These reforms aim to rebuild the Nigeria that was destroyed by previous administrations,” Akume remarked.
He called on Nigerians to support the ongoing reforms, expressing optimism about their impact. “Very soon, Nigerians will begin to see the positive outcomes of these reforms,” he added.
Akume also appealed to Nigerians to trust the legislative process concerning the Tax Reform Bills, which he described as visionary. He emphasised that the reforms, once passed and implemented, would significantly benefit the economy and the populace.
“These bills are designed to rescue the nation’s economy. I appeal to Nigerians to allow them to scale through the required legislative processes,” he said.
