Shettima in Calabar: tough reforms are done, a second term means harvest time

Vice President Kashim Shettima has asked voters in Cross River State to give President Bola Tinubu a second term, saying the most painful part of the government's economic reforms is over.

Speaking at an APC campaign rally in Calabar on Monday, Shettima said a new term would be about Nigerians enjoying the benefits of the changes made so far. He also urged voters to re-elect Governor Bassey Otu, his deputy Peter Odey and the party's other candidates.

He pointed to federal projects he said would lift the state, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, which he said had the government's full backing. He also mentioned plans for a Gulf of Guinea Commission office in Calabar and the state's place in the student loan scheme.

Shettima admitted there was still work to be done and said voters were right to expect accountability. He argued that the opposition did not have what it takes to change the direction of the economy.

The rally drew senior party figures, including APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governors Umo Eno, Monday Okpebholo and Hope Uzodimma. Opposition parties have dismissed the government's economic record, pointing to high living costs and rising debt.