An interest group, Northern Bridge Builders Forum, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

Convener of the forum, Senator Joel Ikenya, announced the endorsement at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Ikenya described the group as comprising distinguished men and women from the three geo-political zones of northern Nigeria, with proven experience in diverse fields.

He said that the membership underscored the unity, commitment and collective visions that bind the zones together irrespective of diverse ethnic and religious affiliations.

The convener said that the Tinubu-led administration had introduced innovative policies to attract foreign investments, stabilised the currency and promoted sustainable economic growth.

According to him, the removal of fuel subsidy is a clear demonstration of courage by the president to save the country.

Mr Ikenya said that the proceeds from the fuel subsidy savings were being channelled into other critical sectors of the economy for national growth.

He said, “All tiers of government now enjoy enhanced monthly allocation from the Federation Account for development projects. The administration’s repayment of all debts owed to the IMF by Nigeria and the recent statement by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria in praise of Mr President’s economic reforms are worthy of commendation. We believe that these economic efforts and measures are aimed at laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the nation.’’

Mr Ikenya said that the forum recognised that since the emergence of Mr Tinubu as president, he had prioritised the safety and security of all Nigerians.

He said that particular attention had been given to the northern part of the country which, according to him, is at the centre of the heat occasioned by rampaging activities of bandits, insurgents, terrorists and other criminal groups.

Mr Ikenya commended the robust strategies being implemented and the efforts exerted in combating criminal elements across the country.

He, however, called on the president to double efforts, especially in Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kebbi states and other areas where criminals appeared to be regrouping.

The convener also called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the Armed Forests Guards Establishment Bill presently before it.

He commended the bill saying that it would greatly assist in combating the myriads of security challenges confronting the country, noting that it reflected Mr Tinubu’s strong political will.

Mr Ikenya expressed the forum’s support to any initiative aimed at ensuring the implementation of the constitutional provisions on local government autonomy in the country.

He said that the resultant financial autonomy would bring development closer to the people at the grassroots.

“In view of the aforesaid, the Northern Bridge Builders Forum hereby unequivocally endorses Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a second term in 2027, to continue the good works he is doing. The president should consolidate and continue to improve the gains recorded in security across the country and particularly, in the northern states where the violent activities are more intense. The National Assembly should expedite the passage into law, the bill sent to it by Mr President for the Establishment of Armed Forests Guards in Nigeria, the implementation of which will make the forests less habitable for criminals.

The administration should provide farming inputs and equipment to our farmers early to enable them to deploy the same at the appropriate time of the farming year for improved food productivity. The administration should put in place economic measures that will provide immediate succour to the citizens of the north and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

Mr Ikenya also called on state governments to double their efforts to complement the efforts of the president.

He urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the leaders in the country for them to continue to lead the country aright.

(NAN)