The Forum of Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria (FOPSHAN) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, pledging to mobilise their supporters and engage the grassroots to garner support for the President.
It also commended the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy noting that it saved the nation’s economy from total collapse at a critical period.
Speaking at the Forum, which brought together ex presiding officers, the nation’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, challenged the former Speakers and Deputy Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to remain active in public service, saying leaving political office should never mean abandoning the nation.
Speaking on the theme, “Bold Leadership, Bold Reforms: From Subsidy to Renewed Hope, Assessing the Economic Trajectory and Visionary Leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration,” the First Lady said Nigeria still needs the wisdom, experience and networks of the former presiding officers.
Experience
She urged them to deploy their experience towards strengthening democratic institutions, mentoring younger legislators and preserving institutional memory.
“This summit is a celebration of service, leadership, experience and sacrifice. Leaving political office should never mean leaving public service.
“Nigeria still needs your wisdom, experience and networks. I therefore urge you to use this forum as a platform for preserving institutional memory, mentoring younger legislators, promoting democratic stability, and continuing to contribute to the development of the various communities where we serve,” she said.
On the forum’s endorsement of President Tinubu’s 2027 bid, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed appreciation, saying “the backing was significant because it came from people who had themselves occupied senior positions within the legislative arm of government.”
“I especially acknowledge and appreciate your endorsement of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his second term in office.
“Coming from men and women who have themselves presided over legislative institutions, your endorsement carries special significance.
“You understand the demands of governance, the difficulty of making critical decisions, and the courage required to pursue reforms in the national interest, “ She explained.
The First Lady said the current administration had since its inception, been working to reposition the Nigerian economy and lay what she described as a solid foundation for sustainable national development.
“Nation building is a continuous process and the gains already recorded must be consolidated for the benefit of the present and future generations,” the First Lady stated.
The Chairman of the Occasion, former Senate President, Anyim Pius, declared that President Bola Tinubu is “not a politician of today” but a statesman taking difficult decisions to secure Nigeria’s future.
He said the President Tinubu is thinking beyond the next election and “planting” reforms for the next generation.
Anyim defended the administration’s reform agenda, including petrol subsidy removal, student loans and the proposed state police initiative.
“I have observed the political trajectory of President Bola Tinubu, and I am to say he was never a politician of today, but a statesman of the moment and the next levels.
“He is far-sighted and visionary, but above all, he is courageous and strategic in planning as well as in execution,” he said.
Former Plateau State Governor and former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Senator Simon Lalong, in his presentation, acknowledged the economic difficulties generated by the reform programme but said Nigeria needed to move from macroeconomic stabilisation to shared prosperity.
He called for sustained investment in roads and bridges, while insisting that infrastructure projects must be delivered with quality and value for money.
“President Tinubu has done his part by taking the bold decision. Our part is to help our people understand that the pains of today are the gains of tomorrow.
“We must tell Nigerians that bold leadership is not about being popular today, it is about being right for society,” the lawmaker stated.
The National Chairman of the forum, Senator Wasiu Sani, said the gathering was intended to provide an avenue for experienced legislators to examine the consequences of major policy decisions and contribute to national development.
Sani said the removal of fuel subsidy, changes in federal allocation and efforts to strengthen local government financial autonomy had generated significant national debate.
He also called for stronger collaboration among the three tiers of government, saying increased public revenue should be reflected in responsible governance and improved public services.
