President Bola Tinubu has decried the level of poverty and infrastructural decay in the North, saying that it is unacceptable.
Tinubu, who also lamented the number of out-of-school children in the country, called on elders and leaders in the country to prevail on State Governors to stay in their states and work for the people, especially those in the rural areas.
The president made these remarks on Thursday at a meeting with the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He also appealed to state governments to prioritize the needs of local communities by ensuring accountability and effectiveness in the administration of local governments.
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The President said any of his appointees that failed to live up to expectation would be shown the way out.
“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.
“People reside in the local communities. That is where they work, farm, and live. If the local governments are not effective in delivering services; as leaders, we must not hang on to the numbers.
“Maybe we should look at recalibrating. What was good four years ago may not be good today. 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.
Speaking on the significance of education in nation building, President Tinubu described the situation of out-of-school children in parts of Nigeria as unacceptable.
“The question of out-of-school children is unacceptable. Education is a tool against poverty, and that is what brought many of us here. 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. We will collaborate with you on this intensively.
“We are still building Nigeria, and I am glad that you have emphasised the need for development. The infrastructure decay is unacceptable, and the level of poverty in the North is unacceptable. We must eliminate the source of these trends,” President Tinubu said.
On security, the president commended the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for his efforts, saying: “Everybody wants to be secure, and we need to invest more in technology. We will do it, I promise you. We will put our heart and soul into ensuring that Nigeria is secure and its citizens are protected.”
President Tinubu also addressed economic development and livestock management, saying: “Animal husbandry has been a huge problem for Nigeria. Dairy farms can grow our economy significantly.
“Talk to the governors and tell them to make more land available. Talk to herders to collaborate with the states. The lands are with the states. We are ready to put funds in place to help the herders. We can do it, and we will be able to do it. If the Brazilians and the Dutch are doing it, we can also do it,” the president said.
President Tinubu also used the occasion to appeal for national unity and continued support for his government, saying “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. 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,” the president said.
President Tinubu directed the establishment of a committee to follow up on the issues raised at the meeting and assigned the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to lead the follow-up efforts.
The leader of the delegation and Chairman, Board of Trustees of ACF, Barrister Bashir Dalhatu congratulated President Tinubu on his first year in office and expressed the forum’s appreciation for his achievements and service to the country.
He said President Tinubu’s commitments and assurances to Northerners during the election campaign, proved to be a game-changer.
Barrister Dalhatu said Northern Nigeria reposed strong trust and confidence in President Tinubu, adding: “Your tireless support for and collaboration with Northerners that helped many to win elections into various positions, including that of the presidency in the past, has consolidated the love and trust in the hearts of Northerners for you, as confirmed by the pattern of voting in the last presidential election.’’
Daily Trust
