Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties facing the nation but expressed optimism about the future, saying the challenges are beginning to respond to the solutions offered by his government
By Kehinde Okeowo
President Bola Tinubu has told the 36 state governors in the country to put politics behind them and focus on governance.
He said this on Thursday, while hosting governors to a Ramadan Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Speaking during the breaking of Ramadan fast with governors, the President highlighted the significance of the holy month of Ramadan and the Lenten season for Christians, urging Nigerians to use this solemn occasion for reflection, prayers, and charity towards others.
He went on to tell the governors that it was time to transition from politics to governance, noting the need for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders.
Tinubu said: “Your Excellencies, it is a very great honour to have you here to share the breaking of the fast. What I just want to say is the promotion of the message of the month of Ramadan, which coincides with the Christian Lent.
“This overlapping period is very valuable to our country. And we should utilise it to pray more for our country and be good to one another and our neighbours.
“Since we recognise the need to build the nation together, let us know that politics is over. The time for governance is now. We are of the same family and living in the same house but sleeping in different rooms. We have no choice but to comingle correlate and spread love among each other. That is my sermon.”
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He further acknowledged the difficulties facing the nation, but expressed optimism about the future, saying the challenges are beginning to respond to the solutions being implemented by his administration.
Responding to the President, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the federal government for distributing 42,000 tons of grains, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between the national and sub-national governments in addressing collective challenges
On the payment of wage award to workers, the governor promised that the states would do the right thing.
‘’Wet season farming is almost here, and I want to implore all governors to engage in the farming business, so that we can all appreciate the challenges of ordinary farmers and ensure that we have a bumper harvest at the end of the farming season,’’ the NGF Chairman said.
Besides the governors, other senior government officials in the Iftar include Vice President Kashim Shettima; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Among governors taking part in the Ramadan fast breaking are governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Hyacinth Alia (Benue); Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Ahmed Ododo (Kogi); Nasir Idris (Kebbi); Bala Mohammed (Bauchi); Babagana Zulum (Borno); and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).
Others are Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa); Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi); Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe); Alex Otti (Abia); Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Uba Sani (Kaduna); Agbu Kefas (Taraba); among others.
The governors are the President’s first set of Iftar guests, and he is expected to host more such gatherings with senior government officials in the course of the holy month.
In past Ramadan fasts, former President Buhari hosted the leadership of the National Assembly, the Judiciary, the All Progressives Congress, and traditional rulers.