In a crucial meeting with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at his residence in Lagos on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu underscored the shared responsibility of the federal and sub-national governments in ensuring the peace and stability of Nigeria. The President, expressing deep concern over the recent killings in Plateau State, issued a stern directive to security agencies to intervene decisively and intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the tragic events in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.
Emphasizing the sanctity of human life, President Tinubu conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and urged a paradigm shift among those with divergent beliefs, cautioning them about the inevitable consequences of their actions. “Nigeria needs peace and stability to move forward. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we have to take care of it,” he asserted.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State was acknowledged for his statesmanship in peacefully resolving political challenges in his state. The President commended Governor Fubara, emphasizing the importance of peace for effective governance. “It is only with peace that effective governance can thrive, and governance has commenced in earnest under my watch,” President Tinubu stated.
Turning attention to the 2024 Budget proposals currently before the National Assembly, the President informed the governors about a review meeting held earlier in the day. Present at the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu. President Tinubu stressed the need for joint responsibility and closer collaboration between the federal and sub-national governments to expedite infrastructural development nationwide.
“We must discard federal, state, or rural road classifications. We must regard development as a joint responsibility. Let us prioritize our children. The school feeding programme must return quickly, beginning from the local government to the state and federal governments. We must be ready to protect our children and prepare them for the future,” the President asserted.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, expressed solidarity with the government and people of Plateau State. He offered condolences to the departed souls and extended support to the Governor of Plateau State. “May God be with the souls of the departed and bring peace to Plateau State. The Governor of Plateau State, we are with you; stay strong,” the NGF Chairman remarked.
Governor Abdulrazaq reaffirmed state governments’ support for the bold decisions and reforms initiated by President Tinubu’s administration. Acknowledging the challenging times, he highlighted the structural effects of removing fuel subsidies on the economy of the states. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in overcoming these challenges and bouncing back stronger.
As the nation grapples with pressing issues and the imperative for collaborative governance becomes more apparent, President Tinubu’s call for unity and shared responsibility echoes a vision for a Nigeria characterized by peace, prosperity, and inclusive development. The outcome of this meeting is poised to shape the trajectory of the nation
