Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that a renewed mandate for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration in 2027 would bring about an era of prosperity and tangible rewards for their sacrifices. Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, Shettima declared that the most difficult phase of President Tinubu's economic reforms was over. He described the proposed second term as a season of harvest, with the administration having laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Shettima maintained that the administration's difficult economic decisions since assuming office in 2023 had rescued the economy and created conditions for improved living standards, employment opportunities, and national prosperity. He appealed to voters to re-elect President Tinubu, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, and other APC candidates in the 2027 general election. According to Shettima, the administration had done the most difficult job of economic reset, and no opposition party could improve the government's economic trajectory.
The Vice President said the APC's renewed mandate would enable the administration to consolidate ongoing reforms and translate its economic policies into concrete benefits for ordinary Nigerians. He described the party's relationship with Nigerians as an alliance built on progress, prosperity, opportunity, and dignity, insisting that public welfare must remain the overriding consideration in governance. Shettima also highlighted the Federal Government's development agenda for Cross River, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, according to Shettima, is a major infrastructure investment designed to transform economic activities along Nigeria's coastal communities. The project would improve transportation, stimulate tourism, attract investments, and create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. Shettima also disclosed that the proposed Bakassi Deep Sea Port had secured Federal Government approval and support, assuring residents of the administration's determination to actualise the project.
The Bakassi Deep Sea Port, when completed, would position Cross River as an international maritime gateway, attract shipping companies, stimulate industrial development, and create employment opportunities. Shettima also identified the proposal to locate the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar as another initiative that could strengthen the state's international profile. Hosting the secretariat would attract diplomatic and commercial activities, expand the hospitality and tourism sectors, and create additional economic opportunities.
On the controversy surrounding 46 oil wells, Shettima said the Federal Government acknowledged Cross River's efforts to resolve the dispute and recognised the state's littoral status. He assured that the administration was prepared to facilitate a resolution that would strengthen the state's maritime identity and expand opportunities in the blue economy, maritime investment, and potential derivation benefits. Shettima also acknowledged that Nigerians continued to experience economic difficulties, assuring that the government would remain responsive to public concerns.
Shettima stressed that supporting the administration should not prevent citizens from questioning government decisions or demanding improvements in public service delivery. The APC sought continuity with accountability, not unconditional support, because the welfare of Nigerians remained the central purpose of governance. Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentanwe Yilwatda, urged Cross River residents to support the party's candidates at all levels, describing Tinubu as a transformational leader deserving of another mandate.
Key points
- The administration has laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth and no opposition party can improve the government's economic trajectory.
- The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Bakassi Deep Sea Port are major infrastructure investments that will create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth.
- The administration is committed to accountability and will remain responsive to public concerns.
