The Convener of the proposed October National Youth Conference and President of the Southern Youth Leaders Development Forum, Bassey James, has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s ability to rebuild the country’s economy.
James, on Thursday, acknowledged that Tinubu inherited an economy on the brink of collapse and had to make tough decisions to put it back on track.
He appealed to Nigerians to be patient and support the administration’s efforts to revamp the economy, according to The Nation.
James described Tinubu as a master strategist who transformed Lagos State into the most economically viable state in Africa.
He emphasized that the President’s decisions are in the best interest of Nigerians and will be remembered as a leader who dared to take bold steps for a better Nigeria.
The SYDF leader highlighted the need for sustainability, wealth creation, resource management, and national cohesion, qualities he believes Tinubu possesses.
He urged Nigerians, especially youths, to understand that change is coming and will soon yield positive results.
James also praised Tinubu for signing into law the bill establishing the Southeast Development Commission, which will create opportunities for the region.
He called for unity and support for the federal government to achieve the country’s transformation.
He said, “Tinubu took over an economy which was collapsing and had to take tough decisions to fix it.
“But the process in fixing the economy must be deliberate and thorough bearing in mind the damages the economy suffered. Imagine an oil producing country with refinery working in over 20 years.
“Imagine the billions of dollars wasted on subsidy payment: imagine the billions wasted on power with nothing to show. In NDDC trillions wasted but nothing to show. Tinubu had to fix these rot.
“Leadership’s is about sustainability, wealth creation, management of resources and promotion of national cohesion.
“It is the ability to interpret, interact and understand the vision and mission of the people especially the followers. This guality is seen in Mr President and therefore we are pleading with Nigerians especially our youths to understand that change is coming and very soon things will get better.
“We have severally appealed that protest will not help us at this very point but rather all hands must be on deck to support and encourage the federal government to carry out the transformation our our country.
“The way the economy was going, we needed a man with in-depth knowledge of Nigeria to rebuild and structure the country . Tinubu is a nationalist, and a believer of the Nigeria project.
“For instance at the Eagle Square during the presidential primaries Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio and several presidential candidates stepped down for him.
“During the election proper the Southsouth, Southeast contributed large portions of votes, while the North voted overwhelming for him. His Southwest also supported their own.
“Apart from Chief MKO Abiola of blessed memory, there is no president that has enjoyed this kind of national followers across ethnic divides.
“Again Tinubu successfully won election using the Muslim-Muslim ticket which has been a factor in the Nigeria political movement. This shows the confidence Nigerians have on him”, he said.
