Tinubu, Akpabio true democrats, bridge-builders – SYDF

The National President of the Southern Youth Development Forum (SYDF), Pastor Bassey James has praised Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio as true democrats, nationalists, and bridge-builders.

James also lauded the harmonious working relationship and understanding between the executive and legislative arms of government.

According to him, President Tinubu, Vice President Kassim Shettima, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio are patriots dedicated to rebuilding, reengineering, and reconnecting the nation and its people.

James, who is also the Chancellor of Akpabioism Centre, recalled that the trio, who were former governors of Lagos, Borno, and Akwa Ibom states, respectively, made significant impacts in their various states across all sectors of the economy.

Speaking on the state of the nation in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, he stated, “President Bola Tinubu’s vision of rebuilding our dear country started years back.

Although the story is long, it would take days to fully tell. Tinubu has been laying the foundation for a united and prosperous country for years.

As a senator, he built connections across the nation and established friendships across different tribes and religions.”

When he decided to run for Governor of Lagos State, the most powerful and populous state in Africa, people from all walks of life, including elites, the masses, religious bodies, traditional rulers, and non-indigenes, overwhelmingly voted for him,” James noted.

He continued, “Winning a second term as governor marked the beginning of Tinubu’s political movement because Lagos is the political melting pot of Nigeria, where politics, nationalism, development, and leadership are shaped.

As Lagos Governor, he developed strategies for future political projects and kept his team focused on the national political scene.

Tinubu doesn’t abandon people; he allows his team to expand their influence for the benefit of all. He builds trust and confidence, backed by responsibility.

As a true believer in the Nigerian project, his friends, followers, and admirers span all political parties. This philosophy makes him unique and respected even among global and African leaders.”

James highlighted the events at Eagle Square, Abuja, where Senator Godswill Akpabio, the “uncommon transformer” from the South-South, Nigeria, stepped down for Tinubu, which was followed by others.

“Only a strategist and a political iroko like Tinubu could achieve this,” he remarked.

He further emphasized Vice President Shettima’s nationalistic outlook, describing him as a man with a deep commitment to Nigeria, who sees the country as one that must rise above tribalism, ethnicity, and religion.

James commended Shettima for securing non-indigenes in Borno during the Boko Haram insurgency, creating an environment where all could live and thrive during his eight years as governor.

James also praised Senate President Akpabio as a transformative leader who opened Akwa Ibom State to the world. He referred to Akpabio as “Mr. Uncommon Helper” for his contributions to both indigenes and non-indigenes of the state.

“Akpabio has a vision, and his impact as Akwa Ibom governor, Minister of the NDDC, Minority Leader in the Senate, and now Senate President speaks volumes,” James said.

He concluded by affirming that with the leadership of these three former governors, Nigeria’s future is secure, as they are experienced and committed to the nation’s growth.

“Their history of performance in Lagos, Borno, and Akwa Ibom states speaks volumes. Nigeria will be greater,” he asserted.

James appealed to Nigerians to support and encourage these leaders to deliver on the promised dividends of democracy.

“My appeal is that Nigerians should encourage and support them. We must join hands to build our nation. Let’s protect our land for peace and development.

Join us in the National Youth Leaders Conference in Abuja, Kaduna, Owerri, Uyo, and Lagos. Together we will succeed,” he said.