President Bola Tinubu has expressed concern over the inadequate delivery of democratic benefits at the grassroots level and urged state governors to prioritize the needs of local communities.
During a meeting with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) leadership at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu also addressed issues related to out-of-school children, security, and the economy.
Tinubu highlighted the neglect of grassroots areas, which provide the highest number of votes during elections. He called on the ACF leadership to encourage governors to urgently address the needs of local residents.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngalale, Tinubu said: “We are running a constitutional democracy. I appeal to you to summon the governors. I am doing my best to enhance the country’s revenue base. They must also be sympathetic and urgently consider the needs of the local people.
“People live, work, and farm in local communities. If local governments are not effective in delivering services, as leaders, we must address this. We have 774 local government areas, but are they truly effective? Do they solve problems for Nigerians? Do they coordinate development with state and federal governments?
“Who is accountable for the performance of these local governments? We may need to recalibrate. What worked four years ago may not work today. When we seek votes, we go to the locals; when we receive the votes, we focus on Abuja.”
Emphasizing the importance of education in nation-building, the President described the situation of out-of-school children in some parts of Nigeria as unacceptable.
Regarding security, President Tinubu praised National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his efforts, stating: “Everyone wants to be secure, and we need to invest more in technology. We will do this, I promise you. We will put our heart and soul into ensuring Nigeria’s security and the protection of its citizens.”
Tinubu also called for national unity and continued support for his administration as it tackles the challenges facing the country.
He directed the establishment of a committee to follow up on the issues discussed, assigning the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to lead these efforts.
