Tinubu Urges Governors To Prioritize Fiscal Responsibility Over Citizen Hardship

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s Governors to responsibly allocate the increased funds allocated to their states, emphasizing the importance of investing in infrastructure and development rather than exploiting their citizens.

Accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu convened a meeting with all 36 State Governors and the FCT Minister at the State House on Thursday, February 15, 2024.

According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, the meeting aimed to address pressing national challenges, including the surging cost of food and heightened insecurity.

Following thorough discussions, Tinubu and the Governors reached a consensus to collaborate in finding solutions to these issues and alleviating the economic strain experienced by the populace.

Here are the key directives issued by the President to the Governors:

On addressing insecurity which is also affecting farming and food production, President Tinubu made 3 key pronouncements

1. More police personnel to be recruited  to strengthen the force.
2. President Tinubu informed the Governors that the Federal Government will work with them and the National Assembly towards putting in place a mechanism that will engender state police instead of the vigilantes that are being used in some states.
3. The President charged the Governors to strengthen their Forest Rangers and arm them to keep all the forest safe from criminals.
4. Modalities for State Police and addressing security issues to be discussed further at National Economic Council.

On rising cost of food: The President directed that the State Governments and Federal government should collaborate to increase local food production. The President advised against the idea of food importation   and price control when local food producers should be encouraged to produce  more food.

President advised Governors to follow the example of Kano State in dealing with hoarding of food for profiteering by commodities merchants. He  directed the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, Department of State Services  to monitor warehouses hoarding food items across the country and stop profiteering by merchants.

President charged Governors to pay attention to livestock development in their states and increase production most especially poultry and fishing products.

President pleaded with Governors to ensure all salary arrears to workers, gratuities to retired workers  and pensioners are cleared as a way to put money into the hands of the people since states are now getting more monthly FAAC revenue. Spend the money, don’t spend the people, he urged the governors

President Tinubu implored Governors to create more economic opportunities for the youths in their states to keep them more productively engaged.