COAS, others’ appointments boost Tinubu’s North Central support – APC chieftain - Punch Newspapers

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, John Okolo, has said the appointment of Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff and other key appointments by President Bola Tinubu have strengthened support for the administration across the North Central. Okolo said the appointments had given people in the region a greater sense of inclusion and recognition, particularly in Kogi State. In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Okolo described Shaibu’s appointment as significant to Kogi and the North Central, saying it reflected the contribution of the region to national service. The statement read, “The appointment of Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu means a lot to the North Central and to Kogi people. “This is an opportunity we will not take for granted. The time for rewarding Mr. President is here. The Igala will give a unanimous decision and will not allow vote splits.”See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The APC chieftain said the appointment of Shaibu, alongside other federal appointments involving people from Kogi and the North Central, had strengthened the region’s confidence in the Tinubu administration. “When the presidency carries the North Central along with appointments, it shows respect for our people and our place in the federation,” he said. Okolo also linked the appointments to improved security in parts of the North Central, saying the Army had recorded better coordination and faster responses to security incidents since Shaibu assumed office. Okolo added that traditional rulers and community representatives had reported a reduction in attacks in some areas, while commending the Army for increasing its engagement with civil authorities. 2027: Sokoto PDP flagbearer backs Wike, seeks broad support Kaduna free CNG buses eased transport cost — Commissioner  Police seek information on Delta APC-NDC clash, clarify rifle recovery He added, “Since Lt.-Gen. Waidi took charge, we have seen an uptick in coordinated operations, faster responses to incidents and better intelligence sharing with communities. Troop morale is higher, and civilians are beginning to feel safer.” Okolo stated that the ongoing Federal Government projects in Kogi were evidence of the Tinubu administration’s attention to the region. “Work on the military barracks in Anyigba is almost completed, alongside other rural development projects. “These developments were things we never dreamed of achieving so quickly. They are adding real value to human existence in the region,” he said. The APC chieftain said the appointments, security efforts and development projects would strengthen support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. “The North Central has in the past been seen largely as a useful ally for other regions. Today we are being carried along,” he said. “For Kogi East in particular, a second term for President Tinubu would secure the progress we are beginning to see.” He urged stakeholders across the North Central to remain united ahead of the 2027 elections. Olugbenga Ige Olugbenga Ige is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over nine years of professional reporting experience. He is known for his sharp eye for compelling stories and a strong instinct for identifying newsworthy developments. Over the years, Olugbenga has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.

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