BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria has passed through the most difficult stage of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, promising that the country is now approaching a period when citizens will begin to enjoy the benefits of the government’s policies.

Shettima made the declaration in Calabar, Cross River State, on Monday during an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally, where he called on Nigerians to renew Tinubu’s mandate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Describing the economic reforms as painful but necessary, the Vice President maintained that the administration had already completed the toughest part of its economic restructuring efforts and was now better positioned to deliver prosperity, improved living conditions and wider economic opportunities.

He argued that abandoning the current reform programme in favour of another political alternative could undermine the progress already recorded, insisting that the Tinubu administration had rescued the economy and deserved another opportunity to consolidate its achievements.

"We are confident of this promise to deliver for this nation because we have already done the most difficult job of economic reset. None of the other options available has the capacity to move the needle of the economy. We have rescued the economy, and the road ahead is one of harvest. This second term is one of harvest, for you and all Nigerians," Shettima said.

He urged Nigerians to support the re-election of Tinubu and himself, while also seeking another term for Cross River Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey.

The rally also featured the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Director-General of the party's Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, and other party leaders, who rallied support for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Shettima described the relationship between the APC and Nigerians as a partnership built on progress, prosperity, opportunity and dignity, arguing that political authority must ultimately serve the interests of the people.

He said the administration was seeking a second term because it had unfinished projects and programmes to deliver, adding that those entrusted with public office must return to the electorate with an account of their stewardship and a convincing plan for the future.

The Vice President also praised the Cross River APC for maintaining unity, discipline and organisational strength, describing the party's structure in the state as an example of political solidarity and commitment to public service.

On infrastructure, Shettima said the Federal Government's decision to embark on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was informed by its determination to unlock Cross River's economic potential and connect coastal communities to wider commercial opportunities.

According to him, the highway would improve the movement of people and goods, expand tourism, attract investors and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

He expressed confidence that Cross River would become one of the major beneficiaries of the infrastructure project, particularly through its potential to stimulate commercial activities and strengthen the state's connection to other economic centres.

Shettima also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved and supported the proposed Bakassi Deep Sea Port, promising that the administration would work towards turning the project into an international maritime gateway.

He said the port, when completed, would attract shipping companies, generate employment, encourage industrial development and create new opportunities for businesses, factories and households.

The Vice President further highlighted the proposal to establish the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar, saying the development would raise the state's international profile and attract diplomatic, commercial and tourism activities.

He explained that hosting the regional institution would create employment opportunities, stimulate the hospitality industry and allow Cross River to benefit more directly from regional cooperation.

On the long-standing dispute involving 46 oil wells, Shettima assured the people of Cross River that the Federal Government recognised the state's littoral status and was committed to supporting efforts towards resolving the matter.

He said resolving the dispute would strengthen the state's maritime identity and improve its prospects of benefiting from the blue economy, maritime investments and possible derivation revenues.

Turning to education, Shettima said Cross River had benefited from the Federal Government's education funding interventions through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He described the initiative as an important investment in human capital development, noting that it would ease the financial burden on parents, prevent young people from abandoning their education because of financial difficulties and widen access to higher education.

He also linked the intervention to Project HOPE Education, which he said was designed to improve foundational learning, strengthen teacher development, promote better school management and ensure greater accountability in the education sector.

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The Vice President, however, acknowledged that Nigerians still had legitimate concerns about economic hardship, insisting that political support should not prevent citizens from questioning government policies or demanding better performance.

He promised that the administration would continue to listen to complaints from households and communities, address areas of neglect and correct policies or decisions that failed to serve the public interest.

Earlier, Yilwatda urged Cross River residents to deliver an overwhelming vote for Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election, challenging the state to surpass its previous electoral performance.

He described Tinubu as a leader whose policies and ongoing projects deserved another opportunity, pointing to the proposed Bakassi Deep Sea Port, efforts to revive the Calabar Port and the trans-Sahara superhighway among the reasons the state should support the APC.

The APC chairman said the massive turnout and reception at the rally demonstrated growing enthusiasm for Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, but warned that such political excitement would only count if translated into votes at the polling units.

He described Cross River as a state with enormous economic potential, particularly because of its geographical location, maritime opportunities and commercial advantages.

Yilwatda argued that the Federal Government's infrastructure programme, including railway development, seaport projects and the proposed nationwide superhighway network, could significantly change the economic fortunes of the state and the wider South-South region.

He said improved transportation infrastructure would reduce the cost of moving goods, connect production centres with commercial cities, attract private investments and create employment opportunities.

He therefore urged APC leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women and other community stakeholders to intensify grassroots mobilisation and take the party's message to every ward across the state.

According to him, the 2027 election presents Cross River with an opportunity to consolidate its place in Nigeria's political and economic future by supporting continuity in government.

Governor Otu, in his welcome address, commended Tinubu for what he described as the President's courage and foresight in leading the country through difficult economic conditions while pursuing long-term prosperity and sustainable development.

He highlighted the administration's policies in agriculture, education, industrial development and security, expressing confidence that the benefits of the reforms would become more visible in the coming years.

The governor also pledged the support of Cross River residents for Tinubu's re-election, maintaining that the state was prepared to stand behind the President in 2027.

Similarly, Yari dismissed suggestions that the North would not support Tinubu's second-term ambition, insisting that the President had performed well enough to deserve another four years in office.

Before the rally, Shettima, accompanied by Governor Otu and other APC leaders, visited the palace of the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, where they paid homage to the traditional ruler.

The Vice President explained that the visit was intended to formally present the party's aspirations for the 2027 elections and seek the recognition and goodwill of the traditional institution.

He praised the Obong for his commitment to preserving Efik cultural heritage and values, describing his dedication as an example political leaders should emulate.

Governor Otu also sought royal blessings and support for the APC and the Tinubu-led Federal Government.

Responding, the Obong thanked the delegation for the visit and commended the President for undertaking difficult economic reforms, describing Tinubu as a leader willing to make tough decisions for the long-term benefit of the country.