President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to prevent insecurity from undermining efforts to support vulnerable citizens, pledging intensified action to restore peace and stability across Nigeria.
Speaking on Sunday in Lagos during an Eid-el-Fitr gathering at his residence, the President hosted Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors.
Read the related story on New Daily Prime: APC Governors convene in Lagos for strategic meeting
He emphasised that citizen safety and well-being had been central to discussions during his recent state visit to the United Kingdom.
“Your presence here today, in such numbers, demonstrates your sincerity, commitment, and value for friendship and togetherness,” President Tinubu told the governors.
“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country.”
He described insecurity as a direct enemy of development, progress, and prosperity, and commended the governors for recognising the gravity of the issue.
The President disclosed that he had followed up on commitments for modern security equipment and support, including a lengthy discussion the previous day with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“They are collaborating with us for equipment and support. I am also making frantic efforts to contact other nations,” he added.
President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Friday following a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom the first in 37 years where they were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The President also held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Read the related story on New Daily Prime: Tinubu returns to Lagos after UK state visit, joins eid prayers
Addressing economic pressures, the President noted that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East was likely to drive inflation and reduce purchasing power.
“I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power. The labour union and others will be gearing to ask us to support more due to the effect of the Middle East war and crisis,” he said.
He urged governors to remain resolute in translating their visions into policies and programmes that directly improve citizens’ livelihoods, and to provide additional incentives to cushion the impact of rising energy and transportation costs.
The President thanked Vice President Shettima for his condolence visit to Borno State and assured greater protection through new technology.
In response, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), conveyed season’s greetings from Nigerians and thanked the President for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He described the UK state visit as bold and significant, and confirmed ongoing discussions led by the National Security Adviser on state police, with the NGF preparing to present proposals to the National Assembly for a legislative framework.
Governors present included Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Alex Otti (Abia), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Umaru Radda (Katsina), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur represented Borno State.
For more news, visit New Daily Prime at www.newdailyprime.news
