By : Precious Erugo
The Grassroots Publishers for Tinubu 2027 Renewed Hope Agenda have expressed strong confidence in the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the policies will ultimately reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Speaking on the state of the nation in Edo State, the South-South Coordinator of the group, Comrade Ike Philip Abiagom, stated that President Tinubu inherited a struggling economy and chose to confront the challenges directly rather than blame previous administrations.
According to him, the President demonstrated courage and leadership by embarking on bold reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira — policies which many political actors had equally proposed during the 2023 presidential campaigns.
Abiagom noted that although the reforms have brought temporary hardship to Nigerians, they remain necessary measures aimed at securing long-term economic stability and national development.
President Tinubu made it clear from the beginning that he was prepared to take difficult decisions in the interest of the country instead of engaging in blame games. Many of those criticizing him today also promised similar reforms during their campaigns,” he stated.
The group further explained that economic reforms across the world are often difficult at the initial stage but usually produce lasting benefits for citizens in the long run.
They accused some opposition politicians of misleading Nigerians with unrealistic promises, including claims that fuel prices could immediately return to extremely low levels without addressing the underlying economic realities facing the nation.
The organization also challenged opposition figures to present practical blueprints and workable manifestos capable of transforming the country, rather than focusing solely on criticizing the present administration.
According to the group, many politicians currently seeking power governed their various states for eight years without delivering extraordinary transformations, stressing that Nigerians are becoming more politically conscious and can no longer be deceived by empty promises.
The supporters expressed optimism that the Tinubu administration would gradually stabilize the economy, restore investors’ confidence and strengthen national development through ongoing reforms and infrastructural projects.
The group also defended the Federal Government’s subsidy removal policy, insisting that the gains from the reforms are already visible across states and local governments in the country.
According to Abiagom, before the removal of subsidy many state governments and local councils struggled to pay workers’ salaries and often relied on bank loans to meet basic obligations.
Most people keep asking where the money saved from subsidy removal is going. In the past, many states and local governments could not pay salaries without borrowing from banks, but today allocations have improved significantly. That is why projects are ongoing in many states and local government areas across the country,” he said.
He further urged Nigerians to hold governors and local government chairmen accountable for the management of increased allocations instead of placing all responsibility on the Federal Government.
We should begin to demand accountability from state governors and local government chairmen and stop blaming only the Federal Government for every challenge facing the people,” he added.
Drawing comparisons with President Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, the group said his leadership experience and economic strategies helped transform the state into one of Africa’s leading commercial hubs, expressing confidence that similar progress can be replicated at the national level.
While acknowledging the current economic hardship confronting Nigerians, the group appealed for patience, unity and continued support for the administration, insisting that the country would eventually reap the benefits of the reforms.
President Tinubu means well for Nigeria. The challenges are enormous because the economy was already in a difficult condition before he assumed office, but with time Nigerians will begin to enjoy the gains of these reforms,” the group added.