Tinubu Deserves Commendation, Not Condemnation — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for what he described as his courage to speak uncomfortable truths, while defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms as necessary steps that have stabilised Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the Delta State Investment Summit, Shettima described Soludo as a respected statesman who has consistently chosen principle over popular opinion.

According to the Vice President, Soludo demonstrated that courage during the 2023 presidential election by insisting that the path to Nigeria’s presidency should be built on grassroots support, inclusiveness and broad national appeal rather than intimidation or political blackmail.

“He went against the direction of the wind by telling Nigerians that the road to the Presidential Villa does not pass through intimidation, blackmail and harassment. The road to the Presidential Villa leads through building grassroots support, inclusivity and broad-mindedness,” Shettima said.

The Vice President also defended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, arguing that despite the initial hardship experienced by Nigerians, the policies were already producing measurable results.

He said Nigeria had moved from a period of capital flight and dwindling reserves to one attracting increased investment inflows.

“We were experiencing capital flight and capital scarcity. Today, we are experiencing capital inflows. Our foreign reserves have risen to over 52 billion dollars and counting despite the turbulence in the global economy. I think the President deserves commendation, not condemnation,” he stated.

Shettima further commended Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, describing her as one of Nigeria’s finest global ambassadors whose achievements continue to project the country’s image positively on the international stage.

He also paid tribute to renowned Kenyan legal scholar and Pan-Africanist, Professor Patrick Lumumba, praising his commitment to promoting African unity and intellectual development across the continent.

Addressing investors and government officials at the summit, the Vice President said the increasing number of investment summits organised by state governments reflected healthy competition aimed at attracting businesses and accelerating economic growth.

He noted that every state possesses unique strengths and should develop strategies that reflect its comparative advantages, resources and people.

“The cycle of competition among our states is now evident in the quality and ambition of the investment summits convened across the federation. Every state possesses immense promise, but each must define a trajectory unique to its history, geography, people and comparative advantage. This is a race we must welcome,” Shettima said.

The Delta State Investment Summit brought together political leaders, diplomats, traditional rulers, business executives and development partners to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic collaboration across Nigeria.