The Forum of Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria (FOPSHAN) have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office pledging to mobilise all their supporters and move to the grassroots to garner support for the President.
The Forum also commended the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy noting that it saved the nation from total collapse at a critical period.
Speaking at the Forum which brought together Former Presiding Officers who are serving in other capacities and were also no longer serving, First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu challenged the former Speakers and Deputy Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to remain active in public service, saying leaving political office should never mean abandoning the nation.
According to a release by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady while speaking on the theme, “Bold Leadership, Bold Reforms: From Subsidy to Renewed Hope, Assessing the Economic Trajectory and Visionary Leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration,” the First Lady said Nigeria needed the wisdom, experience and networks of the former presiding officers.
She urged the former lawmakers to deploy their experience towards strengthening democratic institutions, mentoring younger legislators and preserving institutional memory.
“This summit is a celebration of service, leadership, experience and sacrifice. Leaving political office should never mean leaving public service.
“Nigeria still needs your wisdom, experience and networks. I therefore urge you to use this forum as a platform for preserving institutional memory, mentoring younger legislators, promoting democratic stability, and continuing to contribute to the development of the various communities where we serve,” she said.
On the forum’s endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 bid, Mrs. Tinubu expressed appreciation, saying the backing was significant because it came from people who had themselves occupied senior positions within the legislative arm of government.
“I especially acknowledge and appreciate your endorsement of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his second term in office”.
“Coming from men and women who have themselves presided over legislative institutions, your endorsement carries special significance. You understand the demands of governance, the difficulty of making critical decisions, and the courage required to pursue reforms in the national interest”.
The First Lady said the administration had, since its inception, been working to reposition the Nigerian economy and lay what she described as a solid foundation for sustainable national development.
“Since the inception of this administration, Mr President has worked tirelessly to reposition an economy and lay a solid foundation for sustainable national development.
“Nation building is a continuous process and the gains already recorded must be consolidated for the benefit of the present and future generations”.
Ex Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, in his remarks as Chairman of the occasion declared that the President is “not a politician of today” but a statesman taking difficult decisions to secure Nigeria’s future, saying the that Tinubu is thinking beyond the next election and “planting” reforms for the next generation.
He defended the administration’s reform agenda, including petrol subsidy removal, student loans and the proposed state police initiative.
According to the Former Senate President, reforms were rarely popular when they are introduced because their benefits were often realised long after the immediate pain of implementation.
“I rarely talk about iconic leaders. I rather observe them because most of the time they are not defined by the projects they do. They are rather defined by their vision and reforms to implement”.
He argued that reforms become necessary when societies reach critical points.
