State Governors expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to end fuel subsidy payments in the country and commended other early policy initiatives of the administration. During a meeting with the President, the governors, led by the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, praised Tinubu’s subsidy-removal decision and his inclusive leadership and statesmanship. They assured the President of their willingness to collaborate in mitigating the short-term impact of the decision.
President Tinubu called on the governors to work together with the Federal Government to address poverty in the country, emphasizing that the level of impoverishment was unacceptable. He urged the political leaders to set aside their differences and focus on alleviating the sufferings of the people. Tinubu emphasized the need for unity and considered the nation as one big family, stating that determined efforts were necessary to eliminate poverty and achieve tangible results.
Tinubu highlighted the importance of good governance in safeguarding the future of democracy. Acknowledging the diverse culture and politics present among the governors, he emphasized the unity and stability of the nation, urging them to work for the people. Tinubu expressed his commitment to an open-door policy, inviting the governors to share ideas, strengthen institutions, and create frameworks that would enhance the well-being of Nigerians.
The President underscored the significance of addressing poverty and emphasized the need to invest in education as a crucial tool in combating it. He called for collaboration to tackle various issues, including corruption, smuggling, and the revitalization of the economy. Tinubu emphasized the importance of savings accruing to the Federation Account after the removal of subsidies.
The Chairman of the NGF, AbdulRasaq, thanked the President for the invitation and pledged the governors’ support in meeting the targets of human development. He assured Tinubu of their commitment to working harmoniously with the Federal Government. The meeting, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, saw the participation of 22 governors and two deputy governors from Edo and Niger States. The governors shared suggestions to address the challenges faced by citizens in their respective states and expressed their support in finding solutions through the National Economic Council.
