Tinubu Tells Governors: Poverty Level In Nigeria Unacceptable 

Tinubu encouraged the governors to set aside party differences and work together to wipe poverty off Nigerians’ faces.

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

President Bola Tinubu has reminded Nigerian governors of his willingness to work with them to eradicate poverty.

According to the President, the nation’s worrisome poverty rate is unacceptably high, and only a collaborative effort between the federal and state governments can result in meaningful remedies.

As a result, he encouraged the governors to put aside their party differences and work together to find methods to ease Nigerians’ sorrows and pains.

Tinubu made these remarks at a meeting with Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) members on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the State House in Abuja.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, new Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and 22 governors and two deputy governors from Edo and Niger States attended the meeting at the President’s request.

Addressing the governors, Tinubu said, “We can see the effects of poverty on the faces of our people. Poverty is not hereditary, it is from society. Our position is to eliminate poverty. Set aside partisan politics, we are here to deliberate about Nigeria and nation-building,” he said in a statement issued by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director, Information.

“We are a family occupying one house, and sleeping in different rooms. If we see it that way and push forward, we will get our people out of poverty. A determined mind is a fertile ground for delivering results.”

The President reiterated that only effective governance can ensure the continuation of the nation’s democracy, emphasizing that the governors and the federal government are responsible for the country’s stability and unity.

He also emphasized prioritizing educational advancement as part of the collaborative effort to combat poverty.

Tinubu said, “Present in this room is our diversity in culture and politics, but we are one nation. The unity and stability of the country rest upon us.

“We are in a democracy and we have to nurture the democracy. It is a hard-earned system and not easy to manage. If anyone thinks it is easy, look at other nations that are over a hundred years in democracy.

“We have managed ourselves very well to have a democracy. We have campaigned and arrived at our present destination. We must work for our people.”

Tinubu also stated his commitment to exchanging ideas, improving institutions, and developing bottom-up frameworks to eliminate poverty among Nigerians.

“What do we do in the face of crushing poverty? What do we do with our development goals? We took the bull by the horns by removing the elephant in the room before the nation sinks.

“We need synergy to fight other vices like corruption. We are trying to get smugglers out of the way. How do we work together to galvanize the economy, and put resources in place? We must think and perform.

“After removing subsidy, there must be savings accruing to the Federation Account.

“How do we address the unacceptable level of poverty? How much are we investing in education, which is the only tool against poverty? I am ready to collaborate with you.”