‘We Will Not Fight Within Us’ – Tinubu Tells Shettima, Governors, To Visit Enugu

President Tinubu Stresses the Role of State Governors in Nigeria’s Development

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has underscored the pivotal role of state governors in driving Nigeria’s national development and prosperity, emphasizing that their leadership at the subnational level is essential for achieving food security, economic prosperity, and overall growth.

In a New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) at the President’s Ikoyi residence, Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the governors’ support and collaborative efforts. He highlighted key areas that require joint action between the federal and state governments to propel the nation forward.

According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu noted that governors are crucial to Nigeria’s future prosperity. He remarked,“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 percent 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.”

The President further called for greater collaboration between federal and state governments to address the country’s most pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.

Tinubu took the opportunity to dispel rumors of any disagreement with the governors over local government autonomy. He reiterated his commitment to empowering local governments, emphasizing that their development is vital for grassroots progress.“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,”he said.

He encouraged governors to work together with the federal government to ensure the progress of local governments, stressing that the aim is collaboration rather than division.“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.”

The President urged the governors to prioritize agricultural growth as a means to achieve greater economic stability. He also called for increased efforts to address challenges affecting Nigeria’s currency.“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 said.

Acknowledging the governors’ contributions to their respective states, Tinubu said,“There is no state we cannot visit and 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.”

Reflecting on his leadership journey over the last 19 months, the President expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future, citing the resilience and leadership demonstrated by his administration.“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 said.

The President also announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4, marking the beginning of his scheduled visits to various states across the country to witness firsthand the ongoing transformations and progress.

Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, expressed the governors’ unwavering support for President Tinubu’s leadership. He assured the President of their commitment to enhancing national security, particularly by contributing to local security structures.

Governor Abdulrazak highlighted the progress being made in his own state, noting that despite inflationary pressures, the restructuring of the economy has enabled increased funding for development projects.“I must confess that I have not done two years in this administration, but I’ve done more projects in two years than in the four years of my first term. We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it,”he said.

The discussions at the New Year meeting underscored the importance of unity, collaboration, and proactive leadership at all levels of government to ensure Nigeria’s continued growth and development.