By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Elder Gabriel Itodo, National Coordinator of the Christian Northern Progressive Forum, has urged Nigerians to remain patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the ongoing economic reforms are necessary for the long-term recovery of the nation.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen shortly after he flagged off the distribution of Christmas rice donated by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Lokoja on Saturday, Elder Itodo described President Tinubu as one of the most experienced and strategically positioned leaders Nigeria has produced.
According to him, Christians across the country were not being sentimental in their support for the President but were convinced by his leadership pedigree, having served as a two-time governor, senator and key stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress.
âFor us Christians, we are not too sentimental about this to say that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been the best so far in our leadership circles,â he said.
Elder Itodo attributed the current economic hardship, including food scarcity and rising cost of living, to the failure of previous administrations to address structural economic challenges, noting that past leaders merely treated economic symptoms rather than root causes.
He said President Tinubu took a bold step by removing the fuel subsidy, describing the move as a necessary but painful âsurgical operationâ on the economy.
âWhen surgery is carried out, there must be pain, but after the pain comes healing,â he said. âThat is where the President is taking Nigeria.â
Elder Itodo further appealed to Nigerians to sustain faith in the administration, expressing confidence that the reforms would begin to yield tangible results ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also commended the President for granting autonomy to local governments, saying the policy was aimed at ensuring that development reaches the grassroots, particularly the poorest of the poor.
According to him, governors must now focus attention on rural development by opening up rural roads, improving access to potable water, healthcare and other basic social services.
Elder Itodo concluded by urging Nigerians to support President Tinubu for a second term in 2027, assuring that the country would witness a more decisive leadership as the economic reforms mature.
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