|By Adejumo Adekunle
…Lauds Tinubu’s performance, says North is not marginalised
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has called on politicians from the Northern Region to exercise patience and wait until 2031 before aspiring to the presidency.
Akume made the statement on Tuesday during his remarks at a two-day Interactive Session on Government-Citizens Engagement held in Kaduna. The event, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, carried the theme “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizens’ Engagement for National Unity.”
The SGF commended the foundation for fostering dialogue between the people and the government, describing the initiative as a pathway to strengthening democracy and improving national development.
He praised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for what he termed “remarkable and foundational achievements” within its two years and two months in office.
“Tinubu promised impartiality in governance and he has done that without breaking the promise,” Akume declared, urging Nigerians to support the President for continuity.
He highlighted strides in security reforms, agricultural revitalisation, food price interventions, and infrastructure development, stressing that Tinubu’s government is already leading Nigeria toward what he described as “the promised land.”
Akume cautioned Northern politicians against actions that could stall the ongoing developmental projects under the current administration.
“Do not join a group that will stagnant the various developments achieved by President Tinubu. I will urge politicians from the Northern Region to wait till 2031,” he said.
He further noted that the removal of fuel subsidies had empowered sub-national governments with more financial resources to execute meaningful projects and deliver democratic dividends.
Speaking on inclusivity, the SGF dismissed claims that the North was being sidelined under the current administration.
“Tinubu has appointed many Northerners to key positions, and they are performing well. The narrative that the North is not carried along is not true,” he said.
He also pointed to infrastructure projects like the planned Super Highway from Sokoto to Bagary and a proposed road network connecting Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba as evidence of the government’s balanced regional development.
According to Akume, the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan but a real drive to restore hope to all regions of the country. He reeled out the President’s achievements in diplomacy, job creation, education reforms, transportation, local government autonomy, anti-corruption efforts, sports, peacebuilding, and national unity.
“Tinubu has laid a foundation stone for a New Nigeria through visionary leadership and commitment to deliver democracy to all citizens without bias,” he added.
He urged politicians to set aside presidential ambitions for 2027, reiterating that the President’s ongoing projects deserve continuity beyond a single term.
“This is because Tinubu has done so well and will continue in that line to better the lot of the citizens and the country,” he concluded.
