…APC state secretaries endorse president for re-election
…Say ‘despite challenges, he’s managed the country effectively’
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his belief in the enduring unity of Nigeria, affirming that while political actors may disagree vigorously, the values and ties that bind them as stakeholders of one nation remain far stronger than any partisan divide.
The president said at the 80th birthday celebration and public presentation of the memoir of Chief Olabode George held in Lagos on Friday.
The president, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the event as a celebration of a distinguished Nigerian, an elder statesman, and an accomplished public servant who has lived a full life of service to country and community.
He said Chief George’s invitation to him to share in the milestone reflects “the Nigerian and Lagos spirit, our shared humanity, history, kindred spirit, and good neighbourliness.”
Highlighting the broader message of national cohesion, President Tinubu underscored that despite heated political contests and divergent views, what unites Nigerians remains inviolable.
“The event of today has again demonstrated that, as politicians, we can shout and disagree. Still, the values that bind us together as members of the same household living in different rooms are more enduring and stronger than what divides us,” he said.
While acknowledging that he and Chief George have been on opposing sides of the political aisle since 1999, President Tinubu stressed that such differences have never diminished the mutual respect they share as leaders committed to Nigeria’s progress.
He affirmed that since assuming office, Chief George has offered valuable counsel through his public interventions on national issues.
The president also celebrated Chief George’s remarkable journey to 80, describing it as a testimony to divine grace and personal resilience.
He expressed delight that the celebrant was marking the milestone in Lagos, his home state, recalling with humour Chief George’s past public declaration that he would go into exile if Tinubu ever became president.
He said, “I pleaded with him that he would have a change of heart, because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together to achieve the peaceful and prosperous Nigeria that was our collective dream.”
On the newly launched memoir, President Tinubu noted that the work captures Chief George’s early years in Lagos, his military career, his tenure as military governor of old Ondo state, his stewardship at the Nigerian Ports Authority, and his role in party politics.
He expressed confidence that the book will offer invaluable lessons on leadership, public service, party politics, and military doctrine. The President pledged his support for the book launch and urged all attendees to do likewise by purchasing copies for personal use and for public institutions.
President Tinubu wished Chief George continued good health, strength, and many more years of service to God and humanity.
APC state secretaries on 2027
Meanwhile, ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Forum of APC State Secretaries has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “effective management of the nation.”
The Forum also appreciated the president for his foresight and commitment to the country’s progress and development.
Addressing newsmen Friday in Abuja, the chairman of the Forum and Nasarawa state APC Secretary, Yarius Gbeba Dagusa, after a crucial meeting, commended the president for the achievements recorded by the administration in the last two years, stressing that the country was on a steady track for progress and development.
The APC state secretaries had gathered in Abuja to be trained for the on-going party electronic registration nationwide.
He said, “The administration has done a lot for our people. Its reforms, stabilisation of our currency, and the removal of fuel subsidies, to mention a few, have proven to be potent and effective in putting more resources in the hands of governments at all levels and its manifest positive impacts on our society.
“Nigeria achieved a record trade surplus of $14.31 billion in 2024. For the first time in our history, the Central Bank of Nigeria declared a thrilling record-breaking surplus of $6.83 billion in 2024; a trade surplus of over $14 billion in 2024.
“The 2025 statistics are far better. The economic recovery and growth rate may be slow and arduous, but it will surely take us out of the mess that the government inherited. Better days are ahead for our country.
“Consequently, the Forum has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his effective management of the country.”
The secretaries assured the party leadership and members of their resolve to work for the advancement of both the party and the government, declaring that they would remain focused on fostering unity and collaboration within the party.
Admonishing party members to remain committed to the ideals of the party, Daguza enjoined the members and all stakeholders to join hands with the president in “building a stronger Party and a brighter future for Nigeria.”
“Together, let us work tirelessly to promote the ideals of democracy, transparency, and accountability,” he said.
The Forum expressed concerns over the dire state of security in the country and commiserated with members of the armed forces and families of victims of the recent terror attacks in parts of the country, particularly the abduction of school girls in Kebbi and Niger states.
The Forum commended the nation’s military and declared their support for President Tinubu’s efforts at decimating insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity.
