Gowon Praises Tinubu’s Efforts, Says President Tackling Security Challenges
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as strong efforts to tackle Nigeria’s security and governance challenges.
Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, gave the commendation on Saturday after paying a courtesy visit to the President at the State House in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the elder statesman said Tinubu had performed well across key sectors of governance since assuming office.
“I came to see him and to thank him for all the good work that he is doing for the country,” Gowon said.
According to him, Nigeria is making steady progress economically and politically under the current administration.
“We have to look at all the good work that the President is doing and the progress that Nigeria is making economically and otherwise,” he added.
When asked what areas the administration should improve upon, Gowon declined to single out any sector, noting that the President appeared to be addressing national challenges comprehensively.
“Isn’t he doing the best he can all round?” he asked rhetorically.
He acknowledged the complexity of Nigeria’s security situation but maintained that the government was taking necessary steps to confront the problem.
“And, of course, the major problem that we have today, the security area, he’s doing everything to deal with those for the good of all Nigerians,” Gowon said.
The former military leader stressed that leadership requires balancing several national priorities at the same time while safeguarding the country’s interests.
“He’s got to look after the interests of Nigeria in all areas, and I’m happy about that,” he added.
Gowon also expressed optimism that the administration’s efforts would ultimately restore lasting peace and stability in the country.
“The government is handling it the best it can to ensure that Nigeria achieves the peace that it deserves,” he said.
His visit forms part of ongoing engagements between President Tinubu and prominent national leaders on governance, security and national development.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for claiming that Nigeria’s poverty rate had surged to 63 per cent.
The APC described the claim as “mischievously misleading,” accusing the opposition party of distorting facts to discredit President Tinubu’s economic reforms.
In a statement issued in Abuja, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the ADC’s criticism reflected a misunderstanding of the ongoing economic restructuring being implemented by the administration.
The opposition party had based its claim on a report presented during an Agora Policy dialogue, which suggested that Nigeria’s poverty rate rose from 49 per cent to 63 per cent.
However, Morka argued that the same report acknowledged the necessity of the reforms introduced by Tinubu to correct longstanding structural distortions in the Nigerian economy.
APC Defends Key Economic Policies
The ruling party defended the administration’s major policy decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates in May 2023.
According to the APC, the previous systems had become a major fiscal burden, draining up to 90 per cent of national revenue while encouraging corruption and cross-border smuggling.
While acknowledging the temporary hardship experienced by citizens, the party insisted that the reforms were necessary to revive the economy and prevent long-term stagnation.
The APC also criticised the ADC for lacking clear policy alternatives, accusing the opposition of engaging in political rhetoric rather than offering solutions.
To support its argument, the party cited macroeconomic indicators suggesting an economic rebound.
According to the APC, Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.4 per cent last year and is projected to expand by 5.5 per cent in the current fiscal year.
It also noted that foreign reserves have surpassed $50 billion, reaching their highest level in nearly two decades.
Morka further stated that inflation is gradually declining, with food inflation reportedly at a 13-year low, while non-oil exports exceeded $6 billion in 2025.
The party added that higher revenue allocations are now reaching state and local governments, enabling more grassroots development.
Social Programmes to Ease Hardship
To cushion the impact of the reforms, the APC said the federal government has introduced several social protection measures, including cash transfers, student loan schemes and the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiatives.
The party maintained that the Tinubu administration remains committed to rebuilding the Nigerian economy and delivering long-term prosperity for citizens.