By Our Correspondent
A Niger Delta-based socio-political group, the Conference of Niger Delta Coastal/Riverine People, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, describing him as a visionary leader whose policies are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s long-term development.
The endorsement was contained in a statement jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Hon. Lawrence Etta; National Coordinator/Director of Mobilisation, Mr. Fred Edoreh; Secretary, Henry Babatunde; Public Relations Officer, Wilson Bodise; and Research Officer, Comrade Victor Ibok, ANIPR.
The group urged Nigerians not to be distracted by political propaganda but to support the administration’s ongoing reforms, which it said are necessary to ensure sustained national growth and development.
It commended the Federal Government, Niger Delta state governments and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for increasing attention to the development of coastal and riverine communities, noting that the interventions are helping to address decades of neglect.
According to the statement, the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a landmark project that will create jobs, improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities across the Niger Delta’s coastal corridor.
The group noted that although the highway had featured in Nigeria’s development plans since the 1950s, the current administration was the first to commence its construction.
It also praised the Tinubu administration’s support for the NDDC, saying it has enhanced the commission’s performance, leading to the completion of previously abandoned projects and the execution of new ones across the region.
The statement further observed that increased federal allocations to states have enabled governors to undertake more infrastructure projects in riverine communities despite the high cost of development in such terrains.
The group argued that the current administration has demonstrated deliberate commitment to the development of the Niger Delta and expressed confidence that a second term would consolidate the gains already recorded.
It therefore called on the people of the region to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, saying continuity would guarantee sustained development.
On national governance, the group said it had reviewed the administration’s policies and concluded that they are essential for Nigeria’s economic recovery and long-term growth.
It cited the removal of fuel subsidy as one of the administration’s boldest reforms, arguing that previous governments had acknowledged the need for the policy but lacked the political will to implement it.
According to the group, ending the subsidy has freed up government revenue for infrastructure and development across key sectors.
The statement also highlighted reforms in the power sector, including measures allowing sub-national governments to establish independent electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems, which it said would improve power supply.
It further commended efforts to strengthen local government administration through direct allocation of funds and expressed support for ongoing discussions on the establishment of state police as part of broader governance and security reforms.
While acknowledging that reforms often come with short-term challenges, the group maintained that the policies are beginning to produce positive results in infrastructure, education, agriculture, power and human capital development.
