Shettima Seeks Rivers’ Support For Tinubu, Projects $1trn Economy In 10 Years

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the people of Rivers State to renew President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate in the 2027 election.

He expressed confidence that ongoing economic reforms will position Nigeria to attain a $1 trillion economy within the next five to ten years.

Shettima made the appeal during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt, where he praised Rivers people for their political maturity, strategic alliances and consistency in supporting candidates of their choice.

He described Rivers State as a politically discerning electorate that carefully evaluates its options before making decisions and remains committed to its choices.

“They that understand the mathematics of political alliances, it is Rivers State. You do not jump on a bandwagon; you weigh your choices, act on conviction, and once you make a choice, you stand by it.

“Four years ago, you gave us your trust. Through your support, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was entrusted with the leadership of our great nation. Our gratitude to you is profound,” the Vice President said.

He said the administration had recorded significant progress since assuming office but required another mandate to consolidate its achievements and complete ongoing reforms.

According to him, the government has laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth, making continuity necessary to achieve its long-term development objectives.

“Today, we have work to show and more work to do. We ask you to renew the mandate you gave His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my humble self.

“We have travelled too far to abandon the journey; we have worked too hard to surrender the gains. We have laid the foundations, and we must now raise the structure,” he stated.

Reflecting on the economic challenges inherited by the administration, Shettima said the country was facing serious fiscal difficulties when Tinubu assumed office, with the economy approaching a critical point of instability.

He said the President demonstrated political courage by implementing difficult economic policies rather than postponing necessary decisions or blaming the previous administration.

“When President Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership some three and a half years ago, our economy was teetering on the brink of collapse.

“Instead of kicking the can down the road or demonising his predecessor, the President had the moral courage and conviction to take the bull by the horns,” he said.

The Vice President identified the removal of petrol subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange market and comprehensive tax reforms as major policy decisions that, despite their initial difficulties, were necessary to prevent a deeper economic crisis.

He argued that failure to implement the reforms would have exposed the country to further economic instability and jeopardised the future of millions of Nigerians.

“Without those far-reaching decisions on the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy, the collapse of multiple exchange rate regimes, and tax reforms, this country could have collapsed, putting the future of 250 million people in jeopardy,” Shettima said.

Highlighting what he described as the gains of the reforms, he disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves had recovered significantly towards the $60 billion mark.

He also cited improved international credit ratings and greater macroeconomic stability as evidence of progress under the Tinubu administration.

Shettima further highlighted the government’s social intervention programmes, particularly the student loan scheme and consumer credit initiatives, which he said were designed to expand access to higher education and improve the purchasing power of middle-income earners.

He added that the administration was taking further measures to reposition the agricultural sector, expressing optimism that the impact of the policies would become more evident in the coming months and years.

“The President is right now taking far-reaching decisions to reposition the agricultural industry. Be rest assured that in the coming months and years, Nigerians will benefit from the fruits of these wise decisions.

“Nigeria will graduate to a real middle-income country and hit the $1 trillion economy mark in the next five to 10 years,” he declared.

The Vice President also criticised opposition politicians, accusing some of them of offering simplistic solutions to complex national challenges without adequately understanding the demands of modern economic management.

He urged Rivers people not to be swayed by political rhetoric, but to assess the administration based on its policies, decisions and achievements.

Shettima concluded by appealing to the electorate to remain committed to the Tinubu-led government, describing the 2027 election as an opportunity to consolidate the foundation already laid.

“Rivers State has always known the difference between the noise of a crowd and the wisdom of a choice.

“In 2027, we ask you to make that distinction once again. Stand by your conviction, stand by your choice, and stand by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The work we have started must be completed, and with your votes, we shall complete it,” he said.