Tinubu urges governments to prioritise the needs of local communities.
On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu encouraged state governors to give the needs of their local communities first priority.
In his address to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) leadership at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu declared that the appeal was essential to guarantee efficacy and accountability in local government management.
The Arewa leaders were also urged by him to make their governors answerable to the people.
“Our democracy is constitutionally based. Call the governors, I beg you. I’m working really hard to increase the nation’s tax base. According to a statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu said, “They must equally be sympathetic, and they must urgently consider the needs of the local people.”
Local communities are home to people. Their home, farm, and place of employment are there. Leaders, we cannot cling to the statistics if the local governments are not able to provide services effectively. Are the 774 local government areas we have actually working? Does Nigerians’ problems get solved by them? Do state and federal governments coordinate development programming?
“Who is accountable for the 774 local authorities’ performance?” I suppose we ought to investigate recalibrating. That which worked well four years ago might not work well now. We go to the locals when we need votes; after we get them, we move and focus on Abuja.
The President described as unacceptable the number of youngsters in the North who are not in school during the meeting.
He also blasted the poverty in the area and urged cooperation to find a solution.
“The worry of kids not in school cannot be tolerated.” A lot of us came here because education is a weapon against poverty. We have to use our education to better the lot of the people. We have to strengthen the educational system, which is the foundation of Nigeria’s economy. Our collaboration on this will be intense.
“I’m happy you brought up the need of development because we are still constructing Nigeria. Neither the state of the infrastructure nor the degree of poverty in the north are acceptable. The cause of these tendencies has to be eliminated, said President Tinubu.
Furthermore, Tinubu reaffirmed the dedication of his government to the security of Nigerians and praised Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser.
“We have to spend more in technology because everyone wants to be safe,” he stated. We shall succeed, I swear to you. Our commitment is to guarantee the security and welfare of the people of Nigeria.
“We shall become more rich as a country thanks to the AKK project, the dredging of the River Niger, and the nationwide improvement of port access and infrastructure. Fighting insecurity will enable individuals to enjoy decent lives wherever they want to dwell.
The President talked about economic growth and livestock management as well, saying, “Animal husbandry has been a significant concern for Nigeria. Our economy can be much enhanced by dairy farms.
Inform the governors to increase the amount of land available. Talk to the herders to promote cooperation with the governments. States have the lands. Money to support the herders is ready to be allocated. We are certain we can help the herders. We can do it if the Brazilians and the Dutch are doing it, the President said.
Using the occasion, President Tinubu also pleaded for national unity and ongoing support for his administration as it addresses issues that the people have been facing for decades.