In a show of solidarity, state governors have voiced their staunch support for President Bola Tinubu’s recent move to terminate fuel subsidy payments in Nigeria, along with other early policy initiatives of the administration. This unanimous support was expressed during the President’s inaugural meeting with the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Led by NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the state chief executives took turns expressing their satisfaction with President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, praising his inclusive leadership and statesmanship. They also extended congratulations to the President for bravely confronting the challenges posed by the fuel subsidy system, pledging their commitment to working closely with him to mitigate any short-term impact resulting from this decision.
During the meeting, President Tinubu urged the governors to collaborate with the federal government in addressing the issue of poverty, emphasizing that the current level of impoverishment in the country is unacceptable. The President called upon political leaders to set aside their differences and unite their efforts in alleviating the suffering and hardships faced by the Nigerian people.
This display of support from the state governors underscores their shared commitment to President Tinubu’s vision and policy direction, paving the way for collaborative efforts aimed at achieving meaningful and lasting positive change for the nation.
“We can see the effects of poverty on the faces of our people. Poverty is not hereditary, it is from the society. Our position is to eliminate poverty. Set aside partisan politics, we are here to deliberate about Nigeria and nation-building,’’ he said.
President Tinubu stated that the nation should be seen as one big family.
“We are a family occupying one house, and sleeping in different rooms. If we see it that way and push forward, we will get our people out of poverty. A determined mind is a fertile ground for delivering on results,’’ he added.
The President said good governance would safeguard the future of democracy.
“Present in this room is our diversity in culture and politics, but we are one nation. The unity and stability of the country rest upon us.
“We are in a democracy and we have to nurture the democracy. It is a hard-earned system and not easy to manage. If anyone thinks it is easy, look at other nations that are over a hundred years in democracy.
“We have managed ourselves very well to have a democracy. We have campaigned and arrived at our present destination. We must work for our people,’’ President Tinubu told the governors while assuring them that he would maintain an open-door policy.
The President said he was prepared to share ideas, strengthen institutions, and create bottom-up frameworks that will improve the livelihood of Nigerians.
“What do we do in the face of crushing poverty? What do we do with our development goals? We took the bull by the horns by removing the elephant in the room before the nation sinks.
“We need synergy to fight other vices like corruption. We are trying to get smugglers out of the way. How do we work together to galvanize the economy, and put resources in place? We must think and perform.
“After removing subsidy, there must be savings accruing to the Federation Account,’’ he noted.
“How do we address the unacceptable level of poverty? How much are we investing in education, which is the only tool against poverty? I am ready to collaborate with you.’’
