Tinubu Promises Nigerians Better Future, Approves Ibom Deep Sea Port

President Bola Tinubu has promised Nigerians a better future through infrastructure development, education, skills acquisition and job creation, urging voters to support his administration and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, in the forthcoming elections.

Tinubu made the promise on Friday during a political rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he defended his economic reforms and criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi over their leadership credentials.

Addressing supporters, the President described the January 16, 2027 election as consequential, saying it would determine the country’s future direction.

“I’m begging you for the sake of your future. I promise you a better future; I promise you development; I promise you education; I promise you skill development; I promise you jobs,” Tinubu said.

He urged young Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing them as instruments for determining the country’s political leadership and defeating those he accused of misleading the electorate.

“To you, the youth, do you have your PVC? Show me your hand if you have your PVC. To me, that is your sword. That is the weapon you need to defeat tyranny, to defeat those who deceive,” he said.

The President called for continuity in governance, insisting that his administration had recorded progress in education and other sectors.

“Have you seen development or not? You have seen progress. Your university is no longer on strike. There’s economic value being added to your life,” he told the crowd.

Defends Economic Reforms

Tinubu defended his economic policies, claiming that Nigeria had moved away from the possibility of financial collapse following the removal of fuel subsidy and other reforms.

He said 27 out of the country’s 36 governors were unable to pay salaries, pensions and gratuities when he assumed office, but maintained that the situation had improved.

“Today I can say that we are out of that tunnel. And I can beat my chest to say we are out of the despair, the dark tunnel of uncertainty and the calamity of a possible bankruptcy,” he said.

Acknowledging the hardship associated with the reforms, Tinubu said he shared the difficulties faced by Nigerians.

“It was difficult; it was hard. It was hard for me, too. I don’t know the pain of the market, but I share your pain. I share your difficulty,” he added.

He also defended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing education as a critical instrument for fighting poverty and expanding opportunities.

According to him, recovered proceeds from corruption would henceforth be channelled into NELFUND to support educational access.

Tinubu further ruled out a return to fuel subsidy, invoking the biblical account of Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea to argue that Nigeria must continue moving forward with its economic reforms.

Criticizes Obi, Atiku

The President also criticised Obi and Atiku, questioning their capacity to lead the country.

On Obi, Tinubu said: “Obi ran away from erosion in Anambra and he will now want to be president? President of where?”

He also questioned Atiku’s political loyalty and leadership ability, accusing the former vice president of abandoning a political party when challenges emerged.

“Will you give such a person opportunity who has no leadership quality, no sense of responsibility?” Tinubu asked.

Approves Ibom Deep Sea Port

A major highlight of the rally was Tinubu’s approval of the proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port following a request by Governor Eno.

“On behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, the governor requested for Ibom Deep Sea Port. It’s approved,” the President declared, drawing cheers from supporters.

Tinubu said the project would generate economic value and accelerate development in Akwa Ibom State.

“Ibom Deep Sea Port will bring associated economic value and economic development,” he said.

He also commended Governor Eno for his efforts to address erosion and promote infrastructure development, urging residents to support his administration.

At a reception held in his honour at Ibom Palm Resort, Tinubu described the facility as an example of purposeful leadership, noting that the land had previously been affected by severe erosion before being reclaimed.

“We are standing on a resort to the glory of God, which is a product of 73 acres of land of gully erosion, reclaimed, surrounded with a good, romantic, artificial lake, demonstrating a serious vision that is achievable when honest people are working for their homes,” he said.

The President’s visit featured the commissioning of projects executed by the Akwa Ibom State Government and a political rally in support of Governor Eno’s administration.