President Bola Tinubu has warned that the Middle East crisis, triggered by the escalating tensions between the US, Israel and Iran, could push up inflation and erode Nigerians’ purchasing power.
Tinubu and Oluremi, his wife, returned to Nigeria on Friday
from a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom (UK), where King Charles III
and Queen Camilla hosted them.
The president also held a meeting with Keir Starmer, the
British prime minister, during which key bilateral agreements were reached.
Speaking on Sunday when he hosted Vice-President Kashim
Shettima and 23 governors at his Lagos home for Eid al-Fitr, Tinubu advised the
governors to provide further incentives to cushion the inflationary impact of
the ongoing war in the Middle East on energy and transportation prices.
“We should care more for the vulnerable. I know this Middle
East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power,” the
president said.
“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.”
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his special
adviser on information and strategy, the president urged the 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.
Tinubu stressed that his administration would intensify
efforts to tackle the challenges of insecurity across various parts of the
country, assuring that the safety and well-being of citizens featured in his
recent meetings held in the UK.
“Your presence here today and the number show your
sincerity, commitment and value for friendship and togetherness,” the statement
reads.
“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.”
The president said he had followed up on support for modern
security interventions with French President Emmanuel Macron.
He thanked Shettima for the condolence visit to Borno over
the recent bombings in Maiduguri, assuring the people of the state of stronger
protection through new technology.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, chairman of the Nigerian Governors
Forum (NGF) and governor of Kwara, thanked the president for his intervention
in the states with the visionary renewed hope agenda.
“On behalf of my colleagues, the governors, we bring your
excellency season’s greetings from the people of our various states,”
AbdulRazaq said.
“We thank the Almighty God for His mercies that saw us
through the month of Ramadan.
“We pray that the Almighty God will see us through the
period of Lent and grant us sustainable peace.”
The NGF chairman congratulated Tinubu on the successful
state visit to the UK and the investment agreements reached.
“While our mission has been to have a good relationship with
the United Kingdom, the state visit, the first in 37 years, is bold and
significant,” he added.
“It speaks to new levels of relationships with Nigeria, and
we thank you for it. Together, we must see that the issue of insecurity comes
to an end.
“Regarding state police, discussions are ongoing with
various security agencies led by the national security adviser, and the NGF has
made its contributions.
“The NGF will take the document to the National Assembly to
see how we can have a legislative framework for the state police.”
Some of the governors at the meeting include Hope Uzodinma,
Imo; Alex Otti, Abia; Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom; Douye Diri, Bayelsa; Hyacinth Alia,
Benue; Bassey Otu, Cross River; Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta; Francis Nwifuru,
Ebonyi; Monday Okpebholo, Edo; Peter Mbah, Enugu; Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe;
and Umar Namadi, Jigawa.
Others are Abba Yusuf, Kano; Dikko Radda, Katsina; Ahmed
Ododo, Kogi; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos; Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa; Caleb
Muftwang, Plateau; Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers; Agbu Keffas, Taraba; Mai Mala
Buni, Yobe; and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo.
Umar Kadafur, deputy governor of Borno, was also at the
meeting.
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