Tinubu Dismisses Rumors of Rift, Reaffirms Commitment to Governors’ Control Over Local Governments

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with state governors, dismissing rumors of a rift regarding local government administration. He made this statement during a New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation between all levels of government in promoting grassroots development. He reassured the governors that his administration had no intention of undermining their control over local governments.

Tinubu called on the governors to focus on delivering transformative governance that would improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians at the local level. He highlighted that effective local governance is key to restoring hope and ensuring the well-being of citizens across the nation.

Addressing speculations about a rift concerning local government autonomy, the President clarified that there was no conflict between his administration and the governors. He stressed the need for collaboration, stating that a cooperative effort between the federal and state governments was crucial for achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.

“We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level,” President Tinubu declared. “Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it.”

The President also acknowledged the critical role governors play in driving the nation’s development, particularly in sectors such as food security and economic growth. He urged them to work with the federal government to address urgent challenges, including improving agricultural productivity and stabilizing the nation’s currency.

“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands,” Tinubu noted.

The President called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to tackle pressing national issues. He emphasized the need for governors to prioritize agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability and prosperity.

“We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us,” Tinubu stated.

The President also expressed pride in the development taking place across Nigeria’s states, acknowledging the progress made in various sectors.

“There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development. We have better allocations now. Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of,” he said.

Reflecting on his leadership over the past 19 months, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to thrive, citing the resilience and leadership demonstrated by his administration.

“I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together. I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading,” he concluded.

The President announced that he would be visiting Enugu State on January 4, 2025, as part of his nationwide visits. He also welcomed the declaration by ThisDAY newspaper naming him their “Man of the Year,” commending the recognition as a testament to the success of his administration’s policies.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, praised the recognition, emphasizing that the acknowledgment from ThisDAY reflects the progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership.

“The policies are working. In agriculture, I was in Jigawa. The complaint in Jigawa was that there was a bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest. So, most of us are encouraging ourselves to buy bumper stocks into our silos, store them for the rainy day,” he said.

Abdulrazak reaffirmed that the administration would continue to focus on food security and agricultural sustainability, with the goal of feeding not just Nigeria but all of West Africa.

The meeting was attended by several NGF members, including governors from states such as Lagos, Rivers, Borno, Nasarawa, and Ekiti. The NGF continues to be a critical partner in driving the nation’s development.