Tinubu Commends Rivers State Governor for Embracing Peaceful Resolution

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his dedicated efforts in resolving political challenges within the state. The commendation was delivered during a meeting with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held at the president’s residence in Lagos.

Acknowledging Governor Fubara’s commitment to peace, Tinubu expressed gratitude, stating, “I thank you for your statesmanship. It is only with peace that effective governance can thrive, and governance has commenced in earnest under my watch.”

During the meeting, President Tinubu also discussed the 2024 budget proposals before the National Assembly. He highlighted a review meeting held earlier in the day with key ministers, emphasizing the importance of joint responsibility and closer collaboration between the federal and sub-national governments for rapid infrastructural development across the nation.

Tinubu urged a unified approach to development, stating, “We must discard federal, state, or rural road classifications. Let us prioritize our children. The school feeding programme 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.”

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, reaffirmed state governments’ support for the bold decisions and reforms initiated by President Tinubu’s administration. He acknowledged the challenges faced, particularly the structural impact of removing fuel subsidies on the economy of the states, expressing confidence in overcoming these challenges.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila were among the government officials present during the NGF visit. Other governors in attendance included Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Abba Yusuf of Kano, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Umar Dikko Radda of Katsina, Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Acting Governor of Ondo), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Governor-elect of Kogi), Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, and Francis Nwifiuru of Ebonyi.