President Bola Tinubu says the state governments are strangulating local government to perform optimally and plead with the regional leaders to assist them for effective governance to the grassroots.
Tinubu spoke during a meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the presidential villa in Abuja.
“I thank the cabinet members for their efforts, but I will relieve any of them of their duties anytime I feel that they are failing Nigerians,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement by the presidency.
Tinubu asked the Arewa leaders to summon the governors and make them sympathetic to the needs of the local people.
“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,” he said.
“We have 774 local government areas, but are they truly effective? Do they solve problems for Nigerians? Do they coordinate development programming with the state and federal governments?
“Who is being held accountable for the performance of the 774 local governments?
“When we want the votes, we go to the locals; when we get the votes, we move to and focus on Abuja.”
The president said the number of out-of-school children in the country is “unacceptable,” noting that education is a tool against poverty.
“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,” he said.
“We will collaborate with you on this intensively. We are still building Nigeria, and I am glad that you have emphasized the need for development.
Tinubu said the infrastructure decay and poverty rate in northern Nigeria are unacceptable, adding that something must be done to address the situation.
Tinubu directed that a committee be set up to follow up on the issues raised during the meeting.
George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), was assigned to lead the follow-up efforts.
The president also used the occasion to appeal for national unity and continued support for his government as it solves decades-long challenges confronting the populace.
“As long as we are together, and we have to be together, there is strength in our diversity. Our strength and opportunity are built into our population,” he said.
