President Bola Tinubu has made a strong appeal to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to hold state governors accountable for the functioning of the country’s 774 local government areas. Addressing the forum, President Tinubu emphasized the crucial role local councils play in the lives of Nigerians and the need for immediate reforms to enhance their effectiveness.
“We are running a constitutional democracy. I will appeal to you to summon the governors. I am doing my very best to enhance the revenue base of the country. They must equally be sympathetic, and they must urgently consider the needs of the local people,” President Tinubu stated.
Highlighting the everyday realities of Nigerians, Tinubu noted that local communities are where people live, work, and farm. He questioned the current efficacy of local governments, asking whether they truly solve problems for Nigerians and coordinate development efforts with state and federal governments.
“Who is being held accountable for the performance of the 774 local governments? Maybe we should look at recalibrating. What was good four years ago may not be good today. When we want the votes, we go to the locals; when we get the votes, we move to and focus on Abuja,” Tinubu said, stressing the need for a reassessment of local governance.
The President also expressed deep concern over the high number of out-of-school children, underscoring education as a vital tool against poverty. “Education is a tool against poverty, and that is what brought many of us here. We must use our education to serve the people and improve their conditions. We must develop the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, which is the education system. We will collaborate with you on this intensively.”
Addressing the forum, Tinubu acknowledged the ongoing development challenges, particularly in northern Nigeria. “The infrastructure decay is unacceptable, and the level of poverty in the north is unacceptable. We must eliminate the source of these trends,” he asserted, calling for greater investment in infrastructure and technological advancements to boost security and economic prosperity.
Discussing specific projects, Tinubu mentioned the AKK project, the dredging of the River Niger, and improving port access and infrastructure to reduce travel time and enhance national prosperity. He emphasized the importance of fighting insecurity to allow Nigerians to live and work safely.
On the issue of animal husbandry, the President highlighted its potential to significantly grow Nigeria’s economy. “Animal husbandry has been a huge problem for Nigeria. Dairy farms can grow our economy significantly. Talk to the governors and tell them to make more land available. Talk to herders to collaborate with the states. The lands are with the states. We are ready to put funds in place to help the herders. We can do it, and we will be able to do it.”
Tinubu concluded by stressing the importance of unity and diversity as strengths for Nigeria. He also issued a stern warning to his cabinet members, stating that any failure to meet the needs of Nigerians would lead to immediate dismissal.
In a move to ensure follow-through on the issues discussed, President Tinubu directed the establishment of a committee led by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to oversee and implement the agreed-upon actions.
“We must tick the boxes on all that we must quickly do,” President Tinubu concluded, reaffirming his commitment to driving progress and addressing the critical issues facing Nigeria.
