Tinubu Needs Second Term to Complete Reforms, Infrastructure Projects – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu another four-year mandate, arguing that his administration needs more time to complete its economic reforms and infrastructure development agenda.

Shettima made the appeal on Thursday while representing Tinubu at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Benin City, Edo State, where he defended the administration’s first-term performance and highlighted ongoing federal government projects.

According to the Vice President, Nigerians should assess the administration based on the tangible impact of its policies and decisions on citizens rather than focusing solely on unfinished projects.

He acknowledged that while some commitments had been fulfilled, others remained ongoing, stressing that a second term would allow the government to complete the work it had started.

“We ask that our stewardship be judged by the lives our decisions have touched and the work we are determined to complete. We have come this far with your trust, and we seek your mandate to finish the work we have begun,” Shettima said.

Highlighting infrastructure development in Edo State, the Vice President said the Federal Government was committed to addressing longstanding road challenges affecting businesses, traders and commuters.

He disclosed that work had commenced on the dualisation of the road passing through Ekpoma, Auchi and Okpella, while emergency repairs were ongoing on the Benin-Asaba and Benin-Sapele roads.

Shettima said the projects were intended to reduce transportation delays and financial losses suffered by traders because of poor road conditions.

On industrial development, he announced that gas was now flowing through the completed Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline, describing the development as a major step towards improving energy supply and reviving industries in the state.

He maintained that reliable energy remained essential for industrial growth and the revival of local manufacturing businesses.

The Vice President also highlighted federal government interventions in healthcare, education and agriculture, citing support for the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, which he said now provides radiotherapy services for cancer patients and subsidised dialysis for eligible patients.

He added that the government had prioritised improvements at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, alongside interventions in 158 public healthcare facilities across Edo State through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

On education, Shettima said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was helping to remove financial barriers preventing students from pursuing higher education.

He also listed subsidised fertiliser distribution, farmer training and vocational programmes under the National Directorate of Employment among the administration’s interventions in the state.

Addressing cultural concerns, Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for the return of the historic Benin Bronzes and other cultural artefacts to their rightful home.

He said the administration stood with the people and traditional institutions of the Benin Kingdom in their demand for the unconditional return of the artefacts.

Earlier, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed confidence in the Tinubu administration, claiming that federal government interventions had made a significant difference in the state.

The governor pledged that Edo residents would deliver two million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also defended the APC-led governments at the state and federal levels, saying their performance had strengthened his confidence in the party’s presidential candidate.

Other APC leaders at the rally, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, expressed support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Akpabio described the turnout at the rally as evidence of the party’s growing support in the South-South, while urging residents to support APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Meanwhile, Shettima had earlier visited the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, where he commended the monarch for promoting peaceful coexistence and preserving the kingdom’s cultural heritage.

The monarch, in his response, acknowledged and appreciated the Federal Government’s interventions in Edo State, particularly its infrastructure projects, which he said had positively affected residents.