President Bola Tinubu has urged governors and political leaders across Nigeria to focus their efforts and resources on improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable.
The President made the call on Monday night during an Iftar dinner held at the State House in Abuja, where he hosted governors, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Service Chiefs, and selected Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
In his address, President Tinubu emphasised the need for selfless leadership and policies that directly benefit the people. “I thank you all for responding to this invitation. You honoured it out of respect, not because you don’t have enough to eat or share,” the President said, acknowledging the commitment of the leaders in attendance.
He highlighted the importance of collective efforts in driving the nation’s progress, noting that the recent economic reforms have begun to yield positive results. “I recall in our first FEC meeting, I said we were going to work hard to fetch water from a dry well. We are still working hard to ensure that there is water to drink and that we spend money, not the people,” President Tinubu remarked, using the metaphor to illustrate the challenges of governance.
The President also commended the governors for their contributions to the reforms, urging them to continue their efforts. “You, the leaders at the subnational levels, are also doing all you can to spend money, not the people,” he said. He further encouraged leaders to work for posterity, adding, “Look at yourselves as navigators that will bring the country to the promised land. Standing here as President is a great honour, and you can’t trade it. Continue doing what you are doing. And do more for the people.”
President Tinubu likened the nation to a large family, stating, “Leaders must see the entire country as one big family in a house where people live in different rooms.”
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, praised the President for his bold economic reforms. “We commend your leadership and the decisive steps you have taken to stabilise the economy,” he said.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, who led the Christian prayers at the event, noted the significance of Muslims and Christians fasting simultaneously. “It is no coincidence that Muslims and Christians are fasting at the same time,” he said, underscoring the unity of purpose among Nigerians.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, also spoke at the event, highlighting the positive impact of the reforms. “The prices of goods and foodstuffs are steadily dropping, and livelihoods are improving,” he said, commending the President for his courage in implementing the reforms.
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