ASABA/Nigeria: Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has defended the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the policies are beginning to improve the country’s fiscal outlook while urging Nigerians to support the President’s re-election bid in 2027.
Okowa made the remarks while receiving the national leadership of the Working People United (WPU) during a courtesy visit to his residence in Asaba, where he argued that the administration’s reforms require continuity to achieve their intended objectives.
The former governor said President Tinubu inherited significant economic challenges and had taken what he described as difficult but necessary decisions to reposition the economy.
Among the measures he defended was the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said had strengthened the financial position of states and local governments by increasing revenues available to the sub-national governments.
According to Okowa, many states that previously struggled to meet financial obligations have witnessed improved fiscal stability since the reforms were introduced.
“Outside fuel subsidy removal, he has grown the economy to the extent that local governments and states are now stabilised. By May 2023, no fewer than 27 states were owing salaries, but today, all states and local governments are able to pay. It is not magic; somebody is behind it, and it is the courageous President Tinubu,” he said.
The former governor said he believes the reforms would deliver greater benefits if sustained, expressing confidence that a second term would enable the administration to consolidate ongoing economic programmes.
He also highlighted the Federal Government’s National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying about 1.6 million students in tertiary institutions had benefited from the scheme.
Describing the programme as one of the administration’s major interventions in the education sector, Okowa urged eligible students yet to enrol to take advantage of the initiative.
He called on members of the Working People United and other Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, National Coordinator of the Working People United, Comrade Williams Akporeha, said the delegation visited Okowa to acquaint him with the group’s objectives and inaugurate its Delta State chapter.
Akporeha said the organisation comprises public and private sector workers, artisans and self-employed professionals committed to promoting good governance and political participation.
He added that the group would support President Tinubu’s re-election bid and other candidates it endorses in the 2027 elections.
The meeting comes as political parties, support groups and stakeholders continue consultations and mobilisation ahead of the next general elections.
