During a gathering at his Lagos residence on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu formally hosted Vice President Kashim Shettima alongside 23 state governors for the Eid el-Fitr celebrations, using the occasion to pledge an intensified national campaign against insecurity.
Addressing the delegation, the President emphasized that the large turnout reflected a shared devotion to national unity, stating, “Your presence here today and the number show your sincerity, commitment and value for friendship and togetherness.”
He identified the current security climate as the primary obstacle to the nation’s future, asserting, “The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country.”
The President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, released a statement highlighting Tinubu’s view of criminal activity as a barrier to national growth.
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The President remarked, “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.”
To combat these threats, Tinubu detailed his recent diplomatic engagements aimed at bolstering military capabilities, noting, “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.”
He further updated the governors on his recent dialogue with international partners, stating, “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.”
Beyond security, the President addressed the economic hardships facing Nigerians, particularly with petrol prices climbing to at least ₦1,300 per litre.
He urged the governors to prioritize social welfare, specifically mentioning how global instability affects local costs.
“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 up to ask us to support more due to the effect of the Middle East war and crisis,” Tinubu explained.
He encouraged the state leaders to remain resilient in transforming their visions into tangible policies that alleviate the “tyranny” of both crime and economic inflation.
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In response, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, acting as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), expressed gratitude for the President’s support of the states.
He offered seasonal well-wishes, saying, “On behalf of my colleagues, the governors, we bring your excellency season’s 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.”
AbdulRazaq also confirmed that the governors are actively collaborating with the National Security Adviser to finalize a legislative framework for state policing, noting, “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 meeting was attended by a broad spectrum of state leadership, including Governors 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), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Caleb Mufwang (Plateau), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Keffas (Taraba), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Borno State Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur.
