TINUBU PROMISES NIGERIANS BETTER FUTURE, TAKES SWIPE AT ATIKU, OBI

By: Hammad Fasasi

President Bola Tinubu has promised Nigerians a better future, while criticising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, over what he described as their lack of leadership qualities.

Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the remarks during a visit to Akwa Ibom State on Friday, where he urged residents to support his administration and Governor Umo Eno, arguing that continuity was essential to sustaining development.

However, the President’s visit was overshadowed by a road accident involving an Akwa Ibom State Transport Corporation (AKTC) bus conveying women mobilised to welcome him. One person was feared dead, while several others reportedly sustained serious injuries.

The accident occurred along Oron Road in Uyo when the bus, said to be heading towards the airport, collided with a security Hilux van. Both vehicles were reportedly badly damaged.

Addressing supporters at the rally, Tinubu described his visit as a homecoming, recalling his professional ties with Akwa Ibom State through his early employment with Mobil Oil.

“It’s like a homecoming for me. I remember having cut my teeth with Deloitte, the greatest accounting firm in America. I expressed the desire to come home. Mobil Oil recruited me.

“Part of the first assignment I was given was to audit the operations of Mobil in Eket. We used to go by boat to Ibono Terminal at that time. Akwa Ibom and I have been united ever since then. Till now, they decided that we are going to keep good company,” he said.

The President urged residents, particularly young people, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing them as their most important tool for determining the country’s political future.

“ To you, the youth, do you have your PVC? Show me your hand if you have your PVC. To me, that is your sword. That is the weapon you need to defeat tyranny, to defeat those who deceive, those who don’t appreciate the value of a growing economy and the value of promising prosperity,” Tinubu said.

He added that his years in public service had been dedicated to promoting democracy, freedom, development and progress.

Tinubu also called on the electorate to support continuity, insisting that his administration had recorded progress in education and other sectors.

“Have you seen development or not? You have seen progress. Your university is no longer on strike. There’s economic value being added to your life,” he told the crowd.

Promising improved living conditions, the President said his administration would prioritise infrastructure, education, skills acquisition and job creation.

“I’m begging you for the sake of your future. I promise you a better future; I promise you development; I promise you education; I promise you skill development; I promise you jobs. We are going to plant a lot of economic trees. There’s no reason why Akwa Ibom cannot use the value of palm trees,” he added.

Defends economic policies

Tinubu described the January 16, 2027 election as a defining moment for the country, saying the outcome would determine Nigeria’s future direction.

He also defended his administration’s economic reforms, claiming that the country had moved away from the possibility of financial collapse.

According to him, 27 of the country’s 36 state governors were unable to pay salaries, pensions and gratuities when he assumed office, but the situation had improved under his administration.

“This coming election, on January 16th is a consequential election. It will define the direction of this country. When I took over, 27 governors out of 36 of this country were unable to pay salary, not to talk of pension, and gratuity. Today I can say that we are out of that tunnel,” he said.

He further argued that without the measures taken by his administration, the naira could have lost much more of its value.

“By now if we didn’t take over, if we didn’t do what we did, we will be using the wheelbarrows to move our naira about because it will have become valueless,” he added.

Acknowledging the difficulties associated with the reforms, Tinubu admitted that the policies had imposed hardship on Nigerians but said he shared their concerns.

“It was difficult; it was hard. It was hard for me, too. I don’t know the pain of the market, but I share your pain. I share your difficulty,” he said.

The President also defended the student loan scheme, describing education as a major tool for fighting poverty and expanding opportunities.

He said proceeds recovered from corruption cases would be channelled into the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to support the programme.

Tinubu further ruled out a return to fuel subsidy, using the biblical account of Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea to argue that Nigeria must continue with its current economic direction rather than return to previous policies.

Attacks Obi, Atiku

Taking aim at Obi, the President questioned his suitability for the presidency, citing erosion challenges in Anambra State.

“Obi ran away from erosion in Anambra and he will now want to be president? President of where?” Tinubu asked.

He also criticised Atiku over his political movements, questioning his ability to manage a political party and take responsibility as a national leader.

“Immediately a little inclination came that they were going to challenge leadership, he ran away. He abandoned the party. He now belongs to another party, and he’s looking for the presidency? Will you give such a person opportunity who has no leadership quality, no sense of responsibility?” he said.

Approves Ibom Deep Sea Port

A major highlight of the rally was Tinubu’s approval of the proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port following an appeal by Governor Eno.

Responding to the governor’s request, the President declared: “On behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, the governor requested for Ibom Deep Sea Port. It’s approved.”

The announcement drew loud cheers from supporters, who repeatedly expressed appreciation to the President.

Tinubu said the project would create economic opportunities and accelerate development in the state.

“Ibom Deep Sea Port will bring associated economic value and economic development,” he said.

He also commended Eno for his efforts to tackle erosion and promote development, urging residents to continue supporting the governor.

“Governor Eno confronted the erosion in Akwa Ibom, and it’s working for you. It’s stable. They lack the leadership character and traits,” Tinubu said in an apparent reference to his political opponents.

Praises Eno’s leadership

At a reception held in his honour at Ibom Palm Resort, the President praised Governor Eno, describing the facility as an example of purposeful leadership and environmental restoration.

Tinubu noted that the resort was developed on 73 acres of land previously affected by gully erosion and transformed into a recreational facility surrounded by an artificial lake.

“We are standing on a resort to the glory of God, which is a product of 73 acres of land of gully erosion, reclaimed, surrounded with a good, romantic, artificial lake, demonstrating a serious vision that is achievable when honest people are working for their homes,” he said.

Road accident during presidential visit

Meanwhile, the road accident involving the AKTC bus occurred as women were being transported towards the airport to welcome the President.

The bus reportedly collided with a security Hilux van along Oron Road in Uyo, leaving both vehicles badly damaged.

Eyewitnesses said one person was feared dead, while several others sustained serious injuries and required emergency assistance.

Footage of the incident shared by Nsikakabasi Akpan showed first responders and other individuals making efforts to evacuate injured passengers from the wreckage.

Akpan described the incident as a collision between a bus conveying women to receive the President at the airport and a security vehicle.

Confirming the accident, Paul James, Public Relations Officer, Road Safety Operations, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Akwa Ibom State Command, said the command had deployed a response team to the scene.

James, however, said the command was yet to determine the full extent of the casualties and the circumstances surrounding the crash as of the time of filing the report.