27 states couldn’t pay salaries when Tinubu came — Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited a struggling economy but has recorded enough achievements to seek Nigerians’ support for a second term in 2027.

Akpabio made the statement on Monday when members of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, TETFund and NELFund, led by its chairman, Senator Dandutse Mohammed, visited him at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio claimed that 27 states were unable to pay workers’ salaries and pensions when Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

“The current President has done a lot for Nigerians. He met an economy in shambles. When he came in, 27 states could not pay salaries and pensions, but today, the story has changed because of his reengineering and thinking out of the box,” he said.

The Senate President expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure re-election in 2027, saying the administration would have enough achievements to present to voters during the campaign.

“In 2027, Nigerians will separate the chaff from the grains and re-elect President Tinubu for a second term in office,” he said.

Akpabio listed the economy, agriculture, security, education and fiscal policy among areas where he said the administration had made significant progress.

He also criticised the opposition, arguing that some of its members were aware of the administration’s achievements but were unwilling to acknowledge them because of their political interests.

“Those in the opposition know too well the achievements of this government in the area of the economy, agriculture, security, education and fiscal policy, but because they are in the opposition, they won’t say it,” he said.

Akpabio also defended the performance of the 10th National Assembly, saying the Senate had passed legislation aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

“The 10th Senate under my leadership has made giant strides, and we are very proud of it. We will continue to collaborate with the Executive arm of government to achieve more for Nigerians,” he said.

He urged lawmakers who may not return to the Senate in the next legislative session to remain committed to the APC and Tinubu’s administration.

Akpabio assured them that their loyalty and contributions to the party and government would be recognised.

Earlier, Mohammed said the committee’s visit was part of its constitutional oversight responsibilities and an opportunity to pay homage to the Senate President.

He said TETFund and NELFund had contributed significantly to the education sector, adding that Nigerian parents were benefiting from the initiatives of both agencies.

Mohammed said the committee was in Akwa Ibom for sensitisation and oversight activities concerning infrastructure projects executed through TETFund.

He thanked Akpabio for his support, describing education as fundamental to Nigeria’s development.