President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed commitment to collaboration with Governors, dismissing claims of discord over local government administration.
Tinubu was speaking during a New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasised the importance of unity and shared responsibility in driving development at the grassroots level.
He assured the Governors that his administration had no intention of undermining their control over local governments.
Instead, he urged them to focus on delivering the transformative governance that citizens expect at the community level, highlighting that effective local governance was crucial to restoring hope and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Addressing rumors of a rift over local government autonomy, the President clarified there was no conflict between his administration and the Governors, stressing that collaboration between all levels of government was essential to achieving sustainable development across the country.
Tinubu called on the governors to work closely with the federal government to drive meaningful change.
He reiterated commitment to fostering a partnership that prioritizes the welfare of the people and strengthens Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“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,” the President said.
He emphasised the critical role of Governors in driving Nigeria’s development and prosperity, saying their leadership at the subnational level is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity and rapid national growth.
The President expressed gratitude for their support and collaboration while highlighting key areas requiring joint effort for the nation’s progress.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu called for stronger collaboration between the Federal and State governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.
Tinubu urged Governors to prioritise agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability.
“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.
He also urged the Governors to take pride in their efforts and acknowledged their progress across the states.:
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on his leadership journey in the last 19 months, the President expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to thrive given the resilience and leadership demonstrated by the 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 announced that he will be visiting Enugu State on January 4 as part of his planned visits to some States of the Federation.
President Tinubu welcomed his declaration by ThisDAY newspaper as Man of The Year.
He commended the newspaper for recognising “what they considered a failure initially, but is now a success.”
Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Kwara Governor, described ThisDay’s decision to name President Tinubu Man of the Year as a significant endorsement of the administration’s policies.
He noted the acknowledgement from a media outlet known for critical media coverage during the campaign reflects the tangible progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“The policies are working. In agriculture, I was in Jigawa. The complaint in Jigawa was that there was a bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest.
“So, most of us are encouraging ourselves to buy bumper stocks into our silos, store them for the rainy day. So, in terms of agriculture, the policy is working. We’ll continue to deepen that and ensure we are 100% sustained in food security and feed the whole of West Africa,” he said.
Other members of the NGF in attendance were Hope Uzodinma (Imo); Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers); Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); Usman Ododo (Kogi); Peter Mbah (Enugu); Babagana Zulum (Borno); Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa); Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); Monday Okpebholo (Edo); and Kabir Yusuf (Kano).
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
