Tinubu Urges Governors to Prioritize Poor and Vulnerable Nigerians Amid Hardship
President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors and other political leaders to focus their resources and policies on addressing the needs of poor and vulnerable Nigerians. The President made the appeal on Monday during an Iftar dinner at the State House in Abuja, where he hosted governors, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Service Chiefs, and selected Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to break the Ramadan fast.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of selfless leadership and urged political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens. He reminded the gathering that their efforts are crucial in meeting the expectations of Nigerians, particularly during these challenging times.
“I recall in our first FEC meeting, I said we were going to work hard to fetch water from a dry well. We are still working hard to ensure that there is water to drink and that we spend money, not the people,” Tinubu said. He commended the governors for their efforts at the subnational level, urging them to continue working diligently for the benefit of their constituents.
The President called on leaders to focus on leaving a lasting legacy, stating, “Look at yourselves as navigators that will bring the country to the promised land. Standing here as President is a great honour, and you can’t trade it.” He added, “Continue doing what you are doing. And do more for the people.”
Tinubu also emphasized the need for unity, urging leaders to see Nigeria as one large family living in different rooms. “Leaders must see the entire country as one big family in a house where people live in different rooms,” he said.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, commended President Tinubu for his bold and decisive reforms aimed at revitalizing the Nigerian economy. He expressed the governors’ commitment to supporting the President’s vision and working collaboratively to address the challenges facing the nation.
The President’s call comes amid growing economic hardship in Nigeria, with rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty levels affecting millions of citizens. The government has been implementing various reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, to stabilize the economy and attract investment. However, these measures have also led to increased costs of living, prompting calls for more targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.
Tinubu’s appeal to governors and other leaders underscores the need for a coordinated approach to addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country. By prioritizing the needs of the poor and vulnerable, the government aims to alleviate the impact of economic reforms and ensure that no one is left behind.
The Iftar dinner provided an opportunity for leaders to reflect on their responsibilities and recommit to serving the people. As Nigeria navigates these challenging times, the President’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, unity, and collective action in building a more inclusive and prosperous society.
The event also highlighted the role of faith and tradition in fostering unity and solidarity among leaders. As the Ramadan fast continues, the President’s call for selfless service resonates with the spirit of the season, emphasizing the values of compassion, generosity, and community.
Moving forward, the focus will be on translating these commitments into concrete actions that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians. With the support of state governors and other stakeholders, the Federal Government aims to implement policies that address the root causes of poverty and inequality, ensuring a brighter future for all citizens.
