President Bola Tinubu has urged governors and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to prioritize policies that support the poor and vulnerable rather than pursuing personal interests.
The president made the appeal on Monday night during an Iftar dinner at the State House in Abuja, where he hosted governors, FEC members, service chiefs, and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Emphasizing the need for selfless leadership, Tinubu called on governors to see themselves as responsible for steering the country toward progress.
“I thank you all for responding to this invitation. You honoured it out of respect, not because you don’t have enough to eat or share,” he said.
The president recalled his remarks during the first FEC meeting, where he likened governance to drawing water from a dry well, underscoring the need for relentless effort in serving Nigerians.
“We are still working hard to ensure that there is water to drink and that we spend money, not the people. You, the leaders at the subnational levels, are also doing all you can to spend money, not the people,” Tinubu said.
He urged governors to remain committed to their responsibilities, emphasizing that leadership is an honor that should not be used for personal gain.
“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. Continue doing what you are doing. And do more for the people.”
Tinubu said ongoing economic reforms were showing results and credited the efforts of the FEC and subnational governments.
He likened Nigeria to a large family living in different rooms under the same roof, urging leaders to work toward unity and a shared national vision.
In his remarks, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and governor of Kwara State, said Tinubu’s policies were driving economic changes.
Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue State, who led Christian prayers at the event, noted the significance of Muslims and Christians fasting simultaneously, calling it a divine coincidence.
Similarly, Lateef Fagbemi, minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation, said economic policies were beginning to stabilize prices of goods and foodstuffs.
“The reforms have also improved livelihoods,” Fagbemi said.
