By Mephy James
The President of Globe Legislators International and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sir Sam Onuigbo, has called on members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State to intensify their efforts towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubuin the 2027 presidential election.
Onuigbo made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement and campaign flag-off for the President’s re-election at his country home, Odozi Obodo Hills, Obuohia Obi-Ibere, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.
He said the stakes surrounding the 2027 election were higher than when he and other supporters joined the APC, stressing that the reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda required consolidation.
According to him, President Tinubu deserves the support of APC members and Nigerians because of what he described as “bold and courageous reforms” undertaken by the administration since its inauguration in May 2023.
Onuigbo urged party stakeholders to remain focused on the President’s re-election, saying, “we are all partners in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”
He recalled that Tinubu, during his presidential campaign, promised to tackle the parallel foreign exchange market, attract foreign direct investment, end fuel subsidies, diversify the economy and promote inclusive governance.
The former federal lawmaker said the President demonstrated his commitment to reform by removing fuel subsidy on his inauguration day, despite the criticism that greeted the decision.
He argued that the policy had subsequently strengthened the finances of the three tiers of government, claiming that Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) distributions had risen significantly since 2023.
Onuigbo also highlighted what he described as improvements in Nigeria’s oil production, refining capacity and foreign reserves under the present administration.
He said Nigeria’s refining capacity had risen substantially from the level recorded in 2023, while crude oil production had also increased. He further cited growth in the nation’s foreign reserves and investment in the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as evidence of the administration’s economic interventions.
According to him, the administration’s efforts to reform the foreign exchange market had also improved investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investment into the country.
Onuigbo further pointed to Nigeria’s economic growth, saying the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had continued to expand, with growth increasingly driven by sectors outside the traditional oil economy.
He identified financial technology, agriculture and solid minerals as some of the sectors contributing to the diversification of the Nigerian economy.
The former lawmaker also listed what he described as several benefits the South-East had received under the Tinubuadministration.
He cited appointments of service chiefs from the region, the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), the creation of new tertiary institutions, proposed rail infrastructure linking parts of the region, airport projects and the rehabilitation of federal roads.
Onuigbo particularly commended the President for approving the reconstruction of major federal roads in the South-East and for permitting state governments in the region to undertake the reconstruction of some federal roads, with reimbursement expected from the Federal Government.
The former National Assembly member also highlighted projects and interventions in Abia State, including the proposed Abia Airport, expansion of airports in Enugu and Owerri, and the ongoing construction of the Federal Secretariat at EkeobaOhuhu in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
He disclosed that he facilitated the restoration of delisted management courses at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, after years of uncertainty.
According to him, the restoration of the courses has created new opportunities for students in the area while helping to preserve and generate employment.
“I am particularly indebted to Mr. President for his decision to restore delisted management courses at Michael OkparaUniversity of Agriculture, after eight years of uncertainty,” he said.
He described the ongoing construction of the Federal Secretariat at Ekeoba Ohuhu, which he said came 35 years after the creation of Abia State, as “the jewel in the crown.”
Onuigbo said President Tinubu had made significant progress in repositioning Nigeria within the global economy, although he acknowledged that the country remained a work in progress.
He appealed to APC stakeholders to support the President’s bid for a second term so that his administration could consolidate its reforms.
“It is obvious that President Tinubu has done remarkably well in repositioning Nigeria in the global economy, even as the country is still a work-in-progress. Without doubt, the President deserves a second term to finish off the good job he has started,” he said.
The APC chieftain urged party members to brace themselves for the task ahead, stressing that the immediate priority should be the President’s re-election and the continued growth of the party.
He also called on stakeholders to place the broader interest of the party and the country above individual political ambitions.
“While we fold camp for our senatorial aspiration, let us prepare our minds for the journey ahead. This journey ahead revolves around the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the immediate and the growth of APC,” he stated.
Onuigbo expressed appreciation to APC members and supporters who had contributed to his previous senatorial campaign, saying their efforts had helped project the party as a political platform of choice in the region.
He urged party members to put past disappointments behind them and look forward to what he described as better prospects.
“Let us go in the confidence that as we leave behind the pains and disappointment of the past Senatorial Campaign, the best things are ahead of us,” he said.
