President Bola Tinubu has lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his statesmanship in resolving the political crisis between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The President made the commendation during a meeting with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum at his residence in Lagos. According to a report by Vanguard, he also condemned the recent killings in Plateau State and ordered security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Fubara’s Statesmanship
Tinubu said he was impressed by Governor Fubara’s broadcast, in which he emphasized the need for peace and stability in Rivers State. He noted that the federal and sub-national governments have a mutual responsibility to ensure the country’s peace and stability.
“I thank you for your statesmanship. I listened to your broadcast and your emphasis on peace. It is only with peace that effective governance can thrive, and governance has commenced in earnest under my watch,” he said.
The President also acknowledged the presence of other governors at the meeting, especially those from the opposition parties. He said he was open to dialogue and cooperation with all stakeholders in the interest of national development.
Plateau Killings
Tinubu expressed his sadness over the latest killings in Plateau State, where over 100 people were massacred by suspected herdsmen in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas. He said he had received a briefing from the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, and assured him of the federal government’s support.
“May God be with the souls of the departed and bring peace to Plateau State. The governor of Plateau State, we are with you; stay strong,” he said.
2024 Budget
On the 2024 budget proposals before the National Assembly, the President said he had reviewed some elements of the Appropriation Bill with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
He urged the governors to support the budget and align their fiscal plans with the federal government’s vision. He emphasized joint responsibility and closer collaboration between federal and sub-national governments to foster rapid infrastructural development nationwide
“We must regard development as a joint responsibility. Let us prioritize our children. The school feeding program 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,” he said.
President Tinubu said he was optimistic that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges and bounce back better. He said he was confident that his administration’s reforms would yield positive results.
Tinubu thanked the governors for their solidarity and urged them to continue to work in the spirit of patriotism. He appealed to the citizens to remain supportive of the government’s efforts and to shun violence and divisive tendencies.
“Nigeria needs peace and stability to move forward. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we have to take care of it,” he said.
