Lawan Urges Opposition To Back Tinubu, Prioritise National Interest

Former President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmad Lawan, has called on opposition parties to set aside partisan interests and support the administration of Bola Tinubu in the interest of national development.

Lawan made the appeal yesterday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the City Boy Movement, Yobe State chapter, at the National Assembly Complex.

Drawing from his 16-year experience in the opposition, the former Senate President emphasised the need for constructive engagement, urging critics to acknowledge and give credit to government policies that benefit Nigerians.

“Even if you don’t believe in what the APC is doing, if you see us doing something for the betterment of Nigeria, please support us and give us the credit.

“Here we are at a very critical point of development as a country; when we are doing the right things, the opposition should be kind enough to support the administration,” Lawan said.

He described the current period as critical to Nigeria’s development and stressed that national interest must take precedence over political differences.

Lawan commended President Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as bold and reform-driven, and urged Nigerians across party lines to rally behind efforts to reposition the country.

“This is one leader who has worked so hard for democracy. Today, he heads a government working in a courageous and bold way to reset the situation of Nigeria. Some of the reforms introduced are decisions that not every leader can attempt because they may be unpopular, but they are necessary for a better tomorrow,” he added.

Highlighting achievements in the security sector, Lawan pointed to the signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill, the reorganisation of the security architecture, and the recent approval of increased allowances for members of the armed forces as key milestones.

On education, particularly in Northern Nigeria, the lawmaker urged privileged youths to champion basic education, citing the high number of out-of-school children.

He stressed that investment in education is crucial to addressing insecurity and promoting development.

“Our youth, especially those who are privileged, must increase the tempo of our campaign to ensure children are in school. Insecurity will be positively affected when we invest in education,” he said, while advocating strict implementation of the Universal Basic Education Commission framework.

Lawan also commended the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, for declaring a state of emergency in the education sector and establishing new institutions, describing the move as commendable.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Muhammad Yakubu Hassan, outlined the structure of the City Boy Movement, including its State Advisory Council made up of technocrats, businessmen, and political office holders.

He also highlighted plans for grassroots mobilisation, empowerment programmes, and town hall meetings.

Hassan further disclosed upcoming initiatives such as “Education for All” and “Health for All,” aimed at addressing basic needs and improving living conditions at the community level.

Responding, Lawan welcomed the delegation and assured them of his support, noting his role as a patron of pro-government mobilisation platforms and reaffirming his commitment to advancing the administration’s agenda.