President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country’s economic woes will soon be history of the past, adding that his administration is committed to delivering the dividends of democracy.
Speaking to the Yoruba Leaders of Thought at the State House, he emphasized that governance must be transformative and address citizens’ critical needs.
The President acknowledged the past 12 months have been challenging but fulfilling, with his administration stopping the economic “bleeding” and paving the way for prosperity, according to ThisDay.
He promised to continue working towards this goal, which he considers a mandate from the people.
President Tinubu, however, accused state governors of hindering the development of local governments, the third tier of government.
He opined this has been a significant obstacle to progress which must be addressed.
Through his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s statement highlights his administration’s commitment to economic recovery and transformative governance, while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
“We are managing to swim through the pond. The current is not a good one. We will turn the tide. We are turning the bend. This I assure you. I am being very careful. The worst is over for Nigeria. We will prevail.“I thank the team who have been working really hard. All I can promise is that we will do whatever it takes. We are determined and we will work so that all Nigerians can feel the impact of good governance.”
The President also called for more effective local government system that fosters community development and delivers the essentials of governance within a strengthened federal structure.
He said: “Local government administration is being suffocated. People are looking at the opportunity to ensure that they survive and become more purposeful through community development programmes. What I will not support is any effort to make the local government a unitary system by handing all core responsibilities to the federal government. That is criminal when there is a federal system.
“We have a federal system. There is state and federal administration. States must do whatever is in the best interest of their own process of administration. There is no one-size-fits-all. That is what we should do by looking at the revenue formula and we must be consistent with federalism; fiscal federalism. Those are the things you should expect from me, not the knee-jerk reactions ahead of elections.
“Our population is growing. It is getting larger. The geographical requirement is getting bigger, so we still want more space for housing. The population is growing. So that is the basis for flexibility at the local government level. We must grow and expand.”
Tinubu, also called for the deepening of governance and the reinforcement of leadership across all levels of government and institutions, adding that his administration was committed to encouraging fiscal federalism and strengthening the system to enhance inclusion and equity for all Nigerians.
“Healthcare upgradation is ongoing. Road rehabilitation and construction is ongoing. Education development is ongoing. I am charging you to look at what is going on in the States. Pay attention to your State governors. Tell them to take their responsibilities seriously and make the people the focus of their development plans. Once there is synergy, then I can assure you that Nigeria will be one of the best nations that you will see anywhere on earth.”
While thanking the delegation of eminent Nigerians, the President urged continuous support for and faith in Nigeria, assuring them that his government would live up to expectations.
“I can tell you that Nigeria is no longer printing paper money and deceiving itself that it has a base for survival. Nigeria went through terrible labour pains, but we have seen the baby coming out alive,” the President stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the National Secretary of Yoruba Leaders of Thought, Hon. Bayo Aina, who spoke on behalf of the Convener, Mr. Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, commended the President for his prioritisation of investment in infrastructure across various sectors.
“We salute your timely initiative to upgrade, construct and modernise the infrastructure of our nation in health, aviation, transportation, as well as the education sector. We commend you for your commitment to providing responsible, responsive, and accountable governance in this country.
“At this point, we state without equivocation our total commitment to the vision of greatness that you have articulated, which is the destiny of Nigeria, not only within Africa, but globally and among the comity of nations before the end of the 21st century,” the National Secretary of the group added.
