Vice President Kashim Shettima Tuesday admitted that ongoing high corruption cases were testing the dedication of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Shettima, who was represented by his Special Adviser on general duties, Aliyu Modibbo disclosed this in Abuja at the policy round-table titled, “The Asiwaju Scorecard Series”, organised by APC Professionals Forum.
He added that the solutions this administration has rolled out are designed to deal with the remnants of longstanding issues that have undermined the economy head-on, rather than opting for temporary fixes.
Shettima said this was essential for the health and future of the nation, saying these decisions are to guarantee the course of the country for generations to come instead of postponing the setbacks.
The vice president noted that Tinubu has made the difficult but necessary choices to ensure Nigeria’s long-term stability and prosperity are never in doubt.
He said the President has chosen a path that, although demanding, promises to save the nation from economic downfall.
Shettima stated: “This began with the calculated removal of the fuel subsidy. This decision was not made for its own sake but to redeem the reality of the nation’s unsustainable debt service-to-revenue ratio, which had grown to alarming levels over the past few years.
“We came at a time that demanded interventions to end untenable practices that threatened our economic survival, a time that required decisive action to redirect resources toward more productive sectors of our economy, and we do not tread this path with malice.
“This is so because we believe that government is a continuum, and our administration had to make choices that are for our collective good.”
Shettima noted that in the current administration’s quest for economic recovery, everyone must recognise that they are not out to cut corners.
The vice president emphasised that the path they have chosen involves necessary sacrifices, saying these are essential for securing a brighter future for Nigeria.
He said the country’s economic indicators would improve as they continue to implement the policies, adding that they are confident that significant growth was on the horizon.
Shettima stated: “Our interventions to save the economy of the nation have been crucial in combating economic sabotage by identifying individuals and groups masterminding these setbacks and profiting from them, whether through currency manipulation or institutionalised corruption.
“The results of our interventions are promising, and we are proud of the progress made in strengthening the Naira.
“I believe you must have also followed this administration’s drive to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. We are waging a relentless war against corruption, with high profile cases demonstrating our dedication to this cause.
“The ongoing digitisation of revenue collection across all government sectors is expected to yield significant results and enhance the transparency we have promised the people of Nigeria.”