Opposition should give Tinubu credit for reforms — Ahmad Lawan
Ahmad Lawan, former senate president and chairman of the senate committee on defence, says opposition parties should give President Bola Tinubu credit for reforms introduced by his administration.
Lawan spoke in Abuja on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the City Boy Movement from Yobe state at the national assembly complex.
He said critics should acknowledge the government’s achievements and support policies that benefit Nigerians, adding that national progress should take precedence over partisan interests.
Drawing from his 16-year experience in the opposition, Lawan said constructive engagement and support for beneficial policies must transcend party lines.
“Even if you don’t believe in what the APC is doing, if you see us doing something for the betterment of Nigeria, please support us and give us the credit,” the former senate president said.
“Here we are at a very critical point of development as a country; when we are doing the right things, the opposition should be kind enough to support the administration.”
Lawan described Tinubu as a leader who has worked hard for democracy and is pursuing reforms aimed at resetting Nigeria.
“This is one leader who has worked so hard for democracy. Today, he heads a government working in a courageous and bold way to reset the situation of Nigeria,” he said.
“Some of the reforms introduced are decisions that not every leader can try to implement because they can make one unpopular. But he introduced them because tomorrow will be better.”
The senator also highlighted what he described as achievements of the administration in the security sector.
He cited the signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) bill, the reorganisation of the security architecture, and the approval of increased allowances for armed forces personnel.
Lawan also called for stronger advocacy for education in northern Nigeria.
“Our youth, especially those of you who are privileged, must increase the tempo of our campaign for our children to be in school,” he said.
“The insecurity will be positively affected when you invest in education. We must ensure our youth are enrolled in basic education and retained without parents spending anything.”
Lawan said the strict implementation of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Act 2004, which allocates two percent of the consolidated revenue fund to education, is critical to Nigeria’s development and security.
He also commended Mai Mala Buni, governor of Yobe state, for declaring a state of emergency on education and establishing educational institutions.
Muhammad Hassan, leader of the delegation, earlier briefed Lawan on the structure of the City Boy Movement in Yobe.
Hassan said the movement has a state advisory council comprising technocrats, businessmen, and political office holders.
He added that the group plans grassroots mobilisation, empowerment initiatives, and town hall meetings to bring governance closer to the people.
Hassan said the movement is also planning programmes such as “education for all” and “health for all” to address community needs.
