Supreme Court verdict, calls for action and expectations from President Tinubu

Following the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election, prominent figures and stakeholders are urging President Tinubu to take immediate action and address critical issues facing Nigeria. With the legal challenges behind him, the President has a clear path to governance and the opportunity to fulfill his promises to the Nigerian people.

Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), emphasizes the need for economic stability. He suggests President Tinubu should focus on stabilizing the naira and end palliative measures. One actionable step is to establish conversion centers in state capitals to facilitate the conversion of petrol engines to use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). By subsidizing this conversion process, the President could swiftly impact thousands of vehicles and reduce the dependence on costly fuel subsidies.

Additionally, addressing security is a priority. Dr. Pogu calls for a one-month ultimatum for security forces to eliminate bandits’ hideouts. This approach aims to bring Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to their ancestral homes by January, thus boosting the President’s image as a proactive leader.

Dr. Pogu also highlights the issue of nepotism and land appropriation. He urges the President to ensure the military helps remove non-indigenous groups occupying land, restore security, and end the loss of lives.

To tackle the economic crisis, Maxi Okwu, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), underlines the urgency of addressing the economy. Okwu emphasizes that the President must focus on national cohesion, not only restoring the spirit of patriotism but also addressing the national question to bring unity among Nigerians. Okwu also advocates continuing the work of the 2014 National Conference to restructure Nigeria.

Alhaji Yerima Shettima, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), pinpoints poverty and national unity as the two immediate challenges for President Tinubu. He stresses the need for practical policies to alleviate poverty and measures to unite the nation, emphasizing that Nigeria is currently more divided than in 2015.

Furthermore, Shettima calls on the President to address allegations of nepotism and maintain a balanced approach in key appointments. A collective effort between the President and the opposition is essential to ensure national stability and development.

Former Katsina State House of Assembly member, Hon Shehu Yusuf, echoes the importance of unity and development, urging the President to engage the opposition to benefit from their talent and experience. He advises both the government and the opposition to cooperate and promote unity, economic development, and peace.

Additionally, Hon Shehu Yusuf highlights the imbalanced regional appointments, emphasizing the need to involve all regions in decision-making and governance.

As President Bola Tinubu begins his tenure following the Supreme Court’s decision, Nigerians hope for swift action on these critical issues to address economic challenges, restore national unity, and promote a more inclusive and balanced governance approach.