We’re one family – Tinubu, seeks govs support to tackle poverty, insecurity

We’re one family – Tinubu, seeks govs support to tackle poverty, insecurity

President Bola Tinubu has called on all the 36 state governors to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling the menace of poverty in the country.

He said the level of impoverishment in the land was unacceptable.

Tinubu spoke on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during his first meeting with all the state governors.

He advised the political leaders to downplay their differences and jointly focus on alleviating the sufferings and pains of the people

“We can see the effects of poverty on the faces of our people. Poverty is not hereditary; it is from society. Our position is to eliminate poverty. Set aside partisan politics, we are here to deliberate about Nigeria and nation building,” he said.

President Tinubu stated that the nation should be seen as one big family.

“We are a family occupying one house, and sleeping in different rooms. If we see it that way and push forward, we will get our people out of poverty. A determined mind is a fertile ground for delivering results,” he added.

The President said good governance would safeguard the future of democracy.

“Present in this room is our diversity in culture and politics, but we are one nation. The unity and stability of the country rest upon us.

“We are in a democracy and we have to nurture the democracy. It is a hard-earned system and not easy to manage. If anyone thinks it is easy, look at other nations that are over a hundred years in democracy.’’

President Tinubu told the governors that he would maintain an open-door policy.

The President said he was prepared to share ideas, strengthen institutions, and create bottom-up frameworks that will improve the livelihood of Nigerians.

“What do we do in the face of crushing poverty? What do we do with our development goals? We took the bull by the horns by removing the elephant in the room before the nation sinks.

“We need synergy to fight other vices like corruption. We are trying to get smugglers out of the way. How do we work together to galvanise the economy, and put resources in place? We must think and perform. After removing subsidy, there must be savings accruing to the Federation Account,” he stated.

Tinubu said the education sector must be improved as part of efforts to reduce poverty and penury.

Governors pledge support

The governors pledged their support for President Tinubu’s decision to end fuel subsidy payments in the country.

The state chief executives were led by the NGF Chairman and governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

They expressed happiness with the President’s subsidy-removal decision, all-inclusive leadership, and statesmanship.