Tinubu, however, made it clear to the visiting governors that they ‘hold the key to food security and prosperity’ in Nigeria
By Kehinde Okeowo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday assured the 36 state governors in Nigeria that he does not intend to undermine their control over local governments.
He made this known when Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) paid him a New Year homage at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu stressed the importance of unity and shared responsibility in driving grassroots development.
He went on to urge the governors to focus on delivering transformative governance at the grassroots, noting that effective local governance was crucial to restoring hope and improving lives.
Quashing rumours of a rift over local government autonomy, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to fostering a partnership that prioritises the welfare of the people and strengthens democratic institutions.
He said: “We will not fight within us. I will drive the change.
“You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level.
“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Just drive development at the local government.
“Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it.”
Tinubu further reminded them that their leadership at the subnational level is central to achieving rapid national growth.
He expressed gratitude for their collaboration while highlighting key areas requiring joint effort.
“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development.
“The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you.
“The agricultural value chain depends on you.
“You own the land, and the job is in your hands,” President Tinubu added.
Calling for stronger collaboration, the President also said: “We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves.
“Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us.”
He also urged the governors to take pride in their efforts.
“There is no state we visit and not be proud of its development. We have better allocations now.
“Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of,” he said.
Reflecting on his leadership journey in the last 19 months, the President expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to thrive.
“I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together.
“I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading,” he further said.
Governors at the gathering include,
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara); Hope Uzodimma (Imo); Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers); Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); Babagana Zulum (Borno); Monday Okpebholo (Edo); Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti): Peter Mbah (Enugu): Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa) and Ahmed Ododo (Kogi).
