By Modupe Gbadeyanka
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday expressed concerns over the negative impact the crisis in the Middle East would have on the Nigerian economy.
While addressing the Vice President, Mr Kashim Shettima, and 23 state governors who visited him in Lagos at the weekend, he said efforts are being made to ensure the citizens, especially the vulnerable, are catered to by the government.
“I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power. The labour union and others will be gearing to ask us to support more due to the effect of the Middle East war and crisis,” Mr Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
The President also disclosed that his administration was intensifying efforts to tackle the challenges of insecurity across various parts of the country, assuring that the safety and well-being of citizens featured at the meetings held in the United Kingdom.
President Tinubu returned to Nigeria from a two-day state visit to the UK. He moved to Lagos for Eid al-Fitr, where the delegation went for a courtesy visit.
“Your presence here today and the number show your sincerity, commitment and value for friendship and togetherness.
“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country.
“I am making all the efforts to ensure that we collectively share the joy of our victory over tyranny. Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity. I am glad you are all mindful of the challenge.
“For me, I have committed to strengthening further the contacts and networks that are necessary. One of the major discussions in the United Kingdom was on equipment and support.
“I can report to you that yesterday, again, I had a lengthy discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. They are collaborating with us for equipment and support. I am also making frantic efforts to contact other nations,” Mr Tinubu further stated.
He urged the state governors to remain steadfast and resilient in translating their ideas and visions into policies and programmes that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods, and to support the government in tackling the “tyranny” of criminals, advising them to provide further incentives to cushion the inflationary impact of the war in the Middle East on energy and transportation prices.
The President thanked Mr Shettima for the condolence visit to Borno State, assuring the people of the state of stronger protection through new technology.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Mr AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, lauded the President for his intervention in the states with the visionary Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking on state police, the Governor said discussions were ongoing with various security agencies led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Nuhu Ribadu, and the NGF has made its contributions, noting that the document will be taken to the National Assembly for “a legislative framework for the state police.”
Governors at the meeting were Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Alex Otti of Abia State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.
Others were Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, Caleb Mufwang of Plateau State, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Agbu Keffas of Taraba State, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, while the deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, was also present.
