Set aside partisan interests, support Tinubu – Lawan tells opposition

2026-03-17 - 16:44

By Henry Umoru Former President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, APC, Yobe North, has urged the opposition to set aside partisan interests and extend their support to the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Speaking on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the City Boy Movement, Yobe State Chapter, at the National Assembly Complex, Lawan called on critics to acknowledge and give credit to the government where it is due, emphasising that the nation’s progress should supersede party politics. The former President of the Senate, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, noted that constructive engagement and support for good policies must transcend party lines for the country to move forward. Lawan said, “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. “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.” In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Ezrel Tabiowo, the former Senate President, who noted that his appeal is within the context of what he described as President Tinubu’s courageous and determined leadership, urged all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to rally behind the administration’s efforts to reset the nation. He said, “This is one leader who has worked so hard for democracy. Today, he heads a government working courageously and boldly to reset Nigeria’s situation. Some of the reforms introduced are decisions that not every leader can implement, as they can make one unpopular. But he introduced them because tomorrow will be better.” Lawan, who focused on national unity and bipartisan support, also highlighted specific achievements of the Tinubu administration, particularly in the security sector, an area he oversees as Committee Chairman in the Senate. He pointed to the signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill, the reorganisation of the security architecture, and the recent approval of a substantial allowance increase for armed forces personnel as significant strides worthy of commendation. Speaking further on the importance of education, particularly in Northern Nigeria, Senator Lawan called on privileged youths to champion the campaign for basic education, lamenting the high number of out-of-school children and stressing that no investment in education is too much. Lawan said, “Our youth, especially those of you who are privileged, must increase the tempo of our campaign for our children to be in school. Insecurity will be reduced when you invest in education. We must ensure our youth are enrolled in basic education and retained without parents spending anything,” he emphasised. He reiterated that the strict implementation of the UBEC Act 2004, which devotes 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, is a critical and necessary path to Nigeria’s development, including mitigating insecurity in the country. Senator Lawan also praised the developmental strides of Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, particularly his declaration of a state of emergency on education and the establishment of educational institutions. He called for continued unity among stakeholders in the state. Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Muhammad Yakubu Hassan, briefed the former Senate President on the movement’s structure, which includes a State Advisory Council comprising technocrats, businessmen, and political office holders. He outlined plans for grassroots mobilisation, empowerment initiatives, and town hall meetings to bring governance closer to the people. Dr. Hassan highlighted upcoming programs under the City Boy Movement, including the “Education for All” and “Health for All” initiatives, as well as community-driven projects designed to address basic needs at the ward level. In his response, Senator Lawan welcomed the delegation and assured them of his support. He confirmed his readiness to work with the movement, noting that he is already a patron of the Tinubu House-to-House Network and remains devoted to mobilising support for the administration’s success. Vanguard News