VP Shettima Confirms Tinubu Maintained Contact During 4-Week Trip, Defends Reforms
VP Kashim Shettima said President Bola Tinubu remained in regular contact throughout his four-week abroad trip from August 30 to September 29, speaking 'almost every other day' with updates on national developments. Speaking after meeting Tinubu at his Lagos residence four days after his return, Shettima defended the removal of petrol subsidy and FX unification as necessary reforms taken when the economy was 'teetering on the verge of collapse' with foreign reserves at just $3.9 billion.
He announced upcoming federal initiatives for the Northeast including 10,600 electric tricycles and 300 buses and electric taxis to reduce burden on residents, and described the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a major intervention for poor students seeking higher education. Shettima acknowledged current economic hardships but insisted 'tough times do not last forever' while Tinubu dismissed health rumors upon return, stating he is 'healthy, sound, and ready to go' for duties.
With public discussion earlier about Tinubu's absence and failure to hand over to the VP, this confirmation of continuous contact addresses governance concerns while detailing specific relief measures rolling out. Will the Northeast transport initiatives and NELFUND effectively alleviate the hardship Nigerians are currently experiencing under these economic reforms?