Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited a struggling economy in 2023, claiming that 27 states were unable to meet their salary and pension obligations at the time.
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.
The Senate President said the Tinubu administration had recorded enough achievements to seek Nigerians’ support for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
“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 outside the box,” Akpabio said.
He expressed confidence that the President would secure re-election in 2027, saying the administration would present its record in areas including the economy, agriculture, security, education and fiscal reforms.
“We will have something to tell Nigerians about the unprecedented achievements of Mr President at the campaign grounds,” he said.
Akpabio also criticised opposition parties, arguing that their members were aware of the administration’s achievements but were unwilling to acknowledge them because of their political position.
He further highlighted his own record as a former governor and said those challenging Tinubu should also account for their achievements while in public office.
The Senate President also defended the performance of the 10th National Assembly, saying the legislature had passed laws 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.
Akpabio urged lawmakers who may not secure seats in the 11th Senate to remain committed to the All Progressives Congress and Tinubu’s administration.
Earlier, Mohammed said the committee’s visit was part of its oversight and constitutional responsibilities, particularly its assessment of projects funded through TETFund.
He commended Akpabio’s support for the committee and said legislation establishing TETFund and NELFund had contributed to improving access to education.
“Nigerian parents are happy because of TETFund and NELFund. We are in Akwa Ibom State on sensitisation and oversight of all the infrastructure executed by TETFund,” Mohammed said.
He described education as central to national development and thanked the Senate President for his support for the committee’s activities.
