Be prepared, Let’s Fix Nigerian Economy Together – President Tinubu Beg Governors

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Nigerian Governors in Lagos yesterday, June 29, and made a rallying call to them about joining him to fix the nation’s economy together.

Tinubu reiterated his plans to operate an open-door policy with the president swinging into action and getting busy on the 30th day of his administration.

The President started the day with whistle-stop visits to two leading traditional rulers in Ogun State – the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ijebu Ode and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo in Abeokuta – to say thank you for their support during the election period.

On his return to Lagos, the President attended a grand reception organised by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Government House in Marina.

Governors across party lines, All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, and the leadership of the National Assembly, among other dignitaries, attended the event.

Another highlight of the event was the joint presentation of a gift to the President, who is the first Lagos State Governor of the fourth republic, by his three successors Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Sanwo-Olu.

It was the first time Ambode was seen with Tinubu since he left office in 2015.

The President told the governors led by Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq (Kwara) that with their support and the bold steps he is taking, Nigerians are assured of a better future and the Renewed Hope promise would be kept.

According to the President:

“I promise to work with the governors through an open-door policy that will return Nigeria from the bricks to a resilient economy. Be ready, you governors.

“I know what I’m going to do from Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and so on, and I want us to be partners so that we can rescue our country and make it whole again.”

President Tinubu also thanked party members for keeping faith in him during the long and tortuous journey to the presidency and also specially recognised the presence of Akinwunmi Ambode, offering prayers for him.

Speaking on behalf of NGF, AbdulRazaq, pledged that state governors, regardless of party affiliations, were ready to cooperate and work with Tinubu in ensuring the country becomes better and safer for all Nigerians.

He said: “NGF is excited that both the President and Vice President are alumni of the Governors’ Forum. We are committed to working with a federalist who worked to get things done in a truly federal system. We reiterate our support for a renewed hope agenda regardless of our parties.”

The APC governors at the reception were led by Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) Chairman Hope Uzodimma (Imo).

Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri represented the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Abia State Governor Alex Otti represented the Labour Party (LP).

Other governors present were Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarrawa), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio reaffirmed the National Assembly’s resolve to work harmoniously with the President, telling him: “The National Assembly belongs to you, and all Nigerians.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu told Tinubu: “Lagos is proud of you”. He also expressed confidence in the president’s ability to offer good leadership.

Former Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola also reiterated the need to support the president to succeed.

“Nigeria’s presidency is not a one-man job. He should be supported to succeed.

“Six of his policies in Lagos, as governor, have stood the test of time and have been adopted in other states and so I urge the governors to support policies that will be introduced by the president.”

Other dignitaries at the event include First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Kano State Abdullahi Ganduje and former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro.

The others are the APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, National Secretary Iyiola Omisore, State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman of Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

Business leaders were led by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Rasak Okoya. Royal fathers of Awori extraction were also present at the reception.