Akume Urges Patience for Northern Presidency, Defends Tax Reform Bills as Economic Lifeline

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern politicians aspiring for Nigeria’s presidency to exercise patience until 2031, insisting that the region’s turn for the top seat is not due in 2027.Speaking during a live appearance on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, hosted by Femi Akande, Akume emphasized the need to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a southerner, to complete a potential second term to consolidate ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the nation.

                                            

“President Tinubu should be allowed to serve a second term. Those from the North, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, should look beyond 2027 and consider 2031,” Akume stated. He added, “If it is God’s will for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to become President, even at the age of 90, it will happen. But for now, they should let President Tinubu continue his work of repositioning the nation.”

Akume also defended the controversial Tax Reform Bills, describing them as visionary legislation designed to rescue Nigeria’s struggling economy. He appealed to Nigerians to support their passage through the National Assembly.

“These bills are well-envisioned for Nigeria and Nigerians. Let us allow the legislative processes to take their course. These reforms will ultimately benefit everyone when fully implemented,” the SGF explained.

Highlighting key government initiatives, Akume pointed to the removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonization of foreign exchange windows as critical steps toward economic stabilization.

“It is easy to destroy but difficult to build. These reforms aim to rebuild the Nigeria that was destroyed by previous administrations,” he remarked, expressing optimism that the benefits of these measures would soon be visible.

Akume assured Nigerians that the administration’s efforts would restore confidence in the nation’s economic trajectory. 

“Very soon, Nigerians will begin to see the positive outcomes of these reforms,” he concluded, urging patience and support for the government’s policies.

With Akume’s remarks, the SGF seeks to bolster support for President Tinubu’s administration while calling for unity and long-term political strategy in Nigeria’s leadership transition.