Dr Basiru Makarfi has argued that President Bola Tinubu should be given a second term to consolidate the economic and structural reforms of his administration.
In an opinion article, Makarfi said major reforms often require decisive leadership and sufficient time to address deep-rooted problems such as poverty, unemployment and inequality.
He cited countries including Singapore and the other Asian Tigers, arguing that sustained leadership and long-term economic policies contributed to their transformation into highly developed economies.
According to him, Nigeria was facing serious socio-economic challenges when Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, making major reforms necessary to address structural weaknesses in the economy.
Makarfi highlighted the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic reform, national security, agriculture, energy and natural resources, infrastructure, human capital development, industrialisation and innovation, as well as governance.
He said the government’s revised priority areas were designed to provide a foundation for sustainable economic growth and improve living conditions.
The writer also referenced economist Walt Rostow’s stages of economic growth, arguing that countries need bold leadership and sustained policies to move from subsistence economies to industrialised societies.
Makarfi maintained that Tinubu’s reforms had begun producing positive results, despite the resistance and difficulties associated with implementing major economic changes.
He therefore called for greater mobilisation of Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots, in support of the President’s re-election.
Makarfi concluded that sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda would give Nigeria a better chance of achieving long-term economic prosperity, arguing that this would require Tinubu securing another term in office.
