By Usman Daku
President Bola Tinubu has called on governors across Nigeria to prioritize policies and resources that cater to the poor and vulnerable, urging them to ensure that government spending directly benefits the people.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja on Monday during an Iftar dinner with governors, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Service Chiefs, and heads of key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Tinubu emphasized the need for selfless leadership in addressing the country’s economic challenges.
“I recall in our first FEC meeting, I said we were going to work hard to fetch water from a dry well. We are still working hard to ensure that there is water to drink and that we spend money, not the people,” Tinubu stated.
He urged leaders at all levels to view their positions as a privilege and a responsibility to create lasting change. “Look at yourselves as navigators that will bring the country to the promised land. Standing here as President is a great honour, and you can’t trade it,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing economic concerns, including rising inflation, subsidy removal, and naira devaluation, which have placed significant financial strain on Nigerians. While his administration has rolled out economic reforms and intervention programs, critics argue that more direct impact is needed to alleviate hardship.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, commended Tinubu for his “bold and decisive” economic reforms, urging state governments to align their policies with the federal government’s vision.
Tinubu’s call signals the urgency of governance that prioritizes the well-being of the people, as Nigerians continue to seek relief from economic hardship.