I Didn’t Know Nigeria Was This Bad Under Buhari’s Administration – Tinubu To Akpabio
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said Nigeria was on “life support” when President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Speaking during his 2024 Constituency briefing and empowerment programme at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, urged Nigerians to rally behind the President’s efforts to tackle the country’s economic challenges.
“Nigeria was on life support,” he remarked, underscoring the urgency of Tinubu’s reforms.
Akpabio highlighted the policy changes by the administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and tax reforms, as vital measures for economic recovery.
Sharing an anecdote, Akpabio recalled asking President Tinubu about his feelings regarding the economy inherited from the previous administration.
“I once asked him, ‘Are you excited about being president after seeing the economy left behind by Emefiele?’ He replied, ‘I must tell you, I didn’t know it was this bad.’ ”
Despite the challenges, Akpabio expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, citing his “success” as a former governor of Lagos State.
“You did it in Lagos, and you will do it again for Nigeria. It’s just a matter of time. We are praying for you, and God will grant you the wisdom to lead us to El Dorado,” he said.
Addressing beneficiaries of the empowerment programme, Akpabio encouraged them to use the distributed tools for economic advancement rather than selling them.