Tinubu to governors: Nigeria needs peace and stability to move forward

President Bola Tinubu says the federal and state governments have a mutual responsibility of ensuring peace and stability in the country. 

Tinubu spoke on Tuesday during a visit by members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at his residence in Lagos.

Tinubu reiterated his condemnation of the killings in 17 communities in Plateau state.

More than 115 persons were killed on the eve of Christmas in attacks by gunmen on communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LGAs of the state.

Tinubu, who had earlier directed security operatives to arrest the perpetrators of the killings, asked the troops to intensify their pursuit of the assailants.

The president condoled with the victims while noting the sanctity of human life and called for a paradigm shift among those with contrary beliefs, cautioning them about the consequences of their actions.

“Nigeria needs peace and stability to move forward. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we have to take care of it,” a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, quoted his principal as saying.

Speaking further on the importance of peace, Tinubu commended the efforts of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, in resolving the state’s political crisis.

“I thank you for your statesmanship. I listened to your broadcast and your emphasis on peace,” Tinubu said.

“It is only with peace that effective governance can thrive, and governance has commenced in earnest under my watch.

The governors condoled with the people of Plateau and pledged their commitment to supporting the president in reforming the economy.

CLOSER COLLABORATION FOR RAPID DEVELOPMENT

According to the statement, Tinubu also said he earlier met with Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, and Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, to review “certain elements” in the 2024 appropriation bill.

The president called for a closer collaboration between the federal and sub-national governments to foster rapid infrastructural development in every part of the nation.

“I want us to discard federal, state, or rural road classifications. We must regard development as a joint responsibility,” he said.

“Let us prioritize our children. The school feeding programme must return quickly, beginning from the local government to the state and federal governments. We must be ready to protect our children and prepare them for the future”.