Tinubu’s inclusive appointments were also praised, with the Forum highlighting the roles of Vice President Kashim Shettima and SGF George Akume as symbols of national unity and regional representation.
Elder statesmen and professionals from Nigeria’s northern region has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, citing significant progress in national security, economic reforms, and grassroots governance.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the elder statesmen, representing the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, declared their support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Former Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, who spoke on behalf of the group, commended the President’s “bold and strategic” approach to security, particularly the proposed establishment of Armed Forest Guards to tackle rural banditry and terrorism.
“The President has shown courage in confronting insecurity, especially in the North,” Ikenya stated. “We believe the creation of Forest Guards is a game-changer.”
While applauding the administration’s gains, the Forum raised concerns about continued violence in Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, and Benue States, urging a scaled-up military offensive against insurgents and criminal elements.
On the economy, the Forum backed Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies and broader structural reforms, saying they have increased state revenues and restored international investor confidence—citing positive remarks by the British High Commissioner as evidence.
The Forum also hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy and called on state governors to cooperate with the President’s efforts to deepen grassroots development.
Key Recommendations:
- Swift passage of the Forest Guards Bill by the National Assembly.
- Timely distribution of farming inputs to boost food security.
- Rollout of short-term economic relief measures for struggling households.
- Sustained efforts to consolidate security gains across the North.
The group concluded by urging Nigerians to remain united, patient, and law-abiding, warning against what it described as “desperate efforts by detractors” to disrupt national progress.
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