We inherited burden that tests our leadership sincerity – Shettima

He said this on Tuesday, May 21, at the APC Professionals Forum’s Policy Roundtable Conference on “Asiwaju ScoreCard Series” held at Shehu Yaradua Centre, Abuja.

The former governor of Bornu stated the critical decisions and policies of the administration were essential for the health and future of the country.

Shettima, who was represented by Hon. Aliyu Moddibo Umar, ex-FCT minister and currently his special adviser on general duties, maintained that the decisions “are to guarantee the course of our nation for generations to come instead of postponing the setbacks for our children and their children.”

“Indeed, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has made the difficult but necessary choices to ensure Nigeria’s long-term stability and prosperity are never in doubt. He has chosen a path that, although demanding, promises to save our nation from economic downfall.

“This began with the calculated removal of the fuel subsidy. This decision was not made for its own sake but to redeem the reality of the nation’s unsustainable debt service-to-revenue ratio, which had grown to alarming levels over the past few years.”

Recalling the torturous path the administration has been navigating since inception, the Vice President noted: “We came at a time that demanded interventions to end untenable practices that threatened our economic survival, a time that required decisive action to redirect resources toward more productive sectors of our economy, and we do not tread this path with malice. This is so because we believe that government is a continuum, and our administration had to make choices that are for our collective good.”

Appealing for the understanding of the people, the Vice President who assured Nigerians that the administration was not out to cut corners, maintained: “The path we have chosen involves necessary sacrifices, but these are essential for securing a brighter future for Nigeria. Our economic indicators will improve as we continue to implement our policies, and we are confident that significant growth is on the horizon.

“Our interventions to save the economy of the nation have been crucial in combating economic sabotage by identifying individuals and groups masterminding these setbacks and profiting from them, whether through currency manipulation or institutionalized corruption. The results of our interventions are promising, and we are proud of the progress made in strengthening the Naira.”

He added: “This is why we also appeal for patience and collective effort from all Nigerians as we work towards a future of safety, prosperity, and optimism that serves all.”