President Tinubu with the givernors
Tinubu vows to intensify efforts against insecurity, assures of France, UK support
President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday in Lagos, stated that his administration will ramp up efforts to address insecurity across the country, assuring that citizens’ safety and well-being were central to discussions held during his recent engagements in the United Kingdom.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that Tinubu hosted Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 governors at his Lagos residence to mark Eid el-Fitr.
The President also revealed that he had followed up on support for modern security interventions during discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Your presence here today and the number show your sincerity, commitment and value for friendship and togetherness,” Tinubu said.
“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country. I am making all the efforts to ensure that we collectively share the joy of our victory over tyranny. Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity. I am glad you are all mindful of the challenge.
“For me, I have committed to strengthening further the contacts and networks that are necessary. One of the major discussions in the United Kingdom was on equipment and support.
“I can report to you that yesterday, again, I had a lengthy discussion 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 stated.
President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu returned on Friday from a three-day State Visit to the United Kingdom, during which they were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The President also held a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer before returning to Nigeria for the Eid el-Fitr holiday.
“We should care more for the vulnerable. 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,” the President added.
Tinubu urged state governors to remain steadfast and resilient in translating their ideas and visions into policies and programmes that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods, and to support the government in confronting what he termed the “tyranny” of criminals.
He advised governors to provide further incentives to cushion the inflationary impact of the Middle East conflict on energy and transportation prices.
The President also thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima for his condolence visit to Borno State, assuring residents of stronger protection through the deployment of new technology.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed appreciation to the President for his interventions in the states under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“On behalf of my colleagues, the governors, we bring your excellency, season greetings from the people of our various states. We thank the Almighty God for His mercies that saw us through the month of Ramadan.
“We pray that the Almighty God will see us through the period of Lent, and grant us sustainable peace,” he said.
AbdulRazaq congratulated the President on the successful State Visit to the United Kingdom and the investment agreements reached.
“While our mission has been to have a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the State Visit, first in 37 years, is bold and significant. It speaks to new levels of relationship with Nigeria, and we thank you for it.
“Together, we must see that the issue of insecurity comes to an end. Regarding state police, discussions are ongoing with various security agencies led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contributions. The NGF will take the document to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for the state police,” the governor noted.
Governors present at the meeting included: Sen. Hope Uzodinma (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), and Umar Namadi (Jigawa).
Others were: Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Umaru Radda (Katsina), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Caleb Mufwang (Plateau), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Keffas (Taraba), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, also attended the meeting.
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