‘Two Terms Of 8 Years Have Become A Norm For All Nigerian Presidents’

The Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Political and Inter-party Affairs, Chief Jide Awe, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would serve out his two terms of eight years, saying serving eight years of two terms have since become a norm in the country.

He also said that all Nigerian systems and institutions will be rid of corrupt practices when there are stiffer penalties and sanctions for those found wanting.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, Awe posited that it has become a sort of norm for anybody who emerged as president from any of the six geo-political zones to against all odds rule the country for eight years.

The special adviser to the governor who was reacting to the opposition from some quarters to the call by the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje that the North should support President Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027 said the continuity would stabilise the country’s democracy.

He said, “It is becoming a norm that each of the geo-political zones in this country will spend two terms, and that of Bola Tinubu will not be an exception. If he is able to clear all the ugly tables within a very short time, which I believe he is doing, the second term is sure for him. And if we are doing that in this country, it will make our democracy stable. Whoever is there will try as much as possible to do his best possible so that when he comes out again seeking people’s votes, willingly they will render it.”

The APC chieftain added that there will always be opposition in any democratic setting which makes democracy to flourish.

“When there is opposition, that will keep the government in power on its toes and move forward. Opposition will have their say but the majority of the people will have their way.

“So, if people are opposing and criticising the government of the day, it is a good radiance and it is welcomed and that will keep whoever is in the position of authority abreast of all the activities.

So, I think our democracy is okay with whatever level of opposition that we have. All we need is that the opposition will not get to the level of destruction.”