First-term Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have said their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid must be matched by concrete performance in their respective states.
The governors made this known in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, on Tuesday.
Reading the communiqué, the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, said: “As first-term APC governors seeking re-election, we recognise that our support for the President must be matched by performance in our respective states.
“We will not just ask Nigerians to support Mr President. We will give them reasons to believe by working harder, delivering visible results, and ensuring that federal reforms translate into tangible benefits at the local level.
“We, therefore, commit ourselves to practical action in agriculture and food security, rural infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, security collaboration, energy access, investment promotion, revenue reform, job creation, and transparent governance.”
The governors commended the President for taking difficult but necessary decisions in the national interest, for giving states greater room to participate in national development, and for sustaining engagement with governors as partners in governance.
“We acknowledge the sacrifices Nigerians have made during this period of economic adjustment. Families, workers, farmers, traders, transporters, young people, women, and vulnerable citizens have all felt the impact of current realities.
“We do not dismiss these difficulties. Leadership demands honesty, and the truth is that Nigeria is undergoing a necessary period of correction after years of accumulated fiscal, security, productivity, and development challenges.
“We are convinced that the reforms being undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are necessary to stabilise the economy, restore public finances, attract investment, strengthen productivity, enhance security, and secure a more sustainable future for Nigerians.
“Our support for President Tinubu is not based on politics alone. It is based on the conviction that Nigeria needs courageous leadership, policy continuity, stronger federal-state collaboration, and a development path that rewards production, enterprise, agriculture, innovation, and hard work,” the communiqué stated.
Accordingly, the governors declared total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and for the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda beyond 2027.
They described the declaration as a commitment to national recovery, shared prosperity, democratic stability, and the protection of the Nigerian federation.
“We believe in national unity and therefore call on Nigerians across all regions, religions, and communities to look beyond temporary discomfort and consider the larger national interest.
“The question is not whether the journey has been difficult — it has been difficult,” the governors confirmed.
According to them, the real question is whether Nigeria should abandon reforms midway or stay the course, correct what needs correction, expand relief for the vulnerable, and allow the foundations being laid to yield lasting results.
The governors also acknowledged the challenge of insecurity that had persisted for over two decades and pledged individual and collective commitment to the protection of lives and property.
They expressed deep concern over continuing threats to citizens’ safety, including kidnapping, school abductions, attacks on educational institutions, terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the abduction of children, kidnapping of innocent citizens, attacks on schools, killing of vulnerable persons, and all acts of terror and criminality that undermine education, economic activities, public confidence, and national peace.
“We commit to stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, State Governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, school authorities, and local intelligence networks to secure schools, protect communities, rescue victims, prosecute offenders, and restore public confidence," they added.
On the reported xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the governors said: “We also express concern over reported attacks, killings, and hostility directed at Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
“While we respect the sovereignty of the Republic of South Africa and the cordial relations between our two countries, we condemn all forms of xenophobia, mob violence, unlawful killings, and abuse of foreign nationals anywhere in the world.
“We urge the relevant authorities to investigate these incidents transparently, protect law-abiding Nigerians and other African residents, and ensure justice in line with the law and diplomatic norms.”
Comments