The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF) under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, on Tuesday declared their total support for the economic policies initiated by the Tinubu administration since it took over power in May.
The NGF is a bi-partisan assemblage of governors whose objective is to foster collaboration at sub-national levels.
According to reports by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the governors made their decisions known during an interactive session between President Tinubu and the governors at his Lagos residence.
Reports indicate that not less than 21 governors across party lines attended the session.
President Tinubu commended Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for what he described as “his efforts to peacefully resolve the political challenges in the state.”
He said the federal and state governments have the mutual responsibility of ensuring the country’s peace and stability.
“I thank you for your statesmanship. I listened to your broadcast and your emphasis on peace. It is only with peace that effective governance can thrive, and governance has commenced in earnest under my watch.”
The president also reiterated his condemnation of the latest killings in Plateau State.
Addressing the governors, Tinubu issued a stern directive to security agencies to halt the carnage in Plateau State and intensify the pursuit of those responsible for the recent tragic events in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.
Condoling with the victims, he emphasised the sanctity of human life and called for a paradigm shift among those with contrary 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 said.
On the 2024 Budget proposals before the National Assembly, the President informed the governors that he had a review meeting earlier in the day on certain elements in the Appropriation Bill with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu.
He emphasised the need for joint responsibility and closer collaboration between the federal and sub-national governments to foster rapid infrastructural development in every part of the nation.
“I want us to 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 stated.
Chairman of the NGF Abdulrazaq, expressed solidarity with the government and the people 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 said.
While acknowledging the challenging times Nigerians are facing, he reiterates the support of the governors for Tinubu’s bold economic policies.
“These are challenging times”, he said, adding “It is not a walk in the park. Removing fuel subsidies had a great structural effect on the economy of the states. But we are confident that we will overcome these challenges and bounce back better.”
- NAN
