By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday in Lagos said his administration will step up efforts to tackle insecurity across the country, assuring that the challenge will not overshadow ongoing efforts to support vulnerable Nigerians.
Tinubu spoke while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors at his Lagos residence to mark Eid-el-Fitr, noting that security concerns featured prominently during his recent engagements in the United Kingdom.
“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,’’ he said.
The President and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, returned on Friday from a three-day State Visit to the United Kingdom, where they were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Tinubu said the government must remain attentive to the needs of vulnerable citizens, warning that global developments could worsen economic conditions.
“We should care more for the vulnerable. 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,’’ he said.
He urged governors to remain committed to translating policies into tangible benefits for citizens and to support efforts aimed at confronting criminal elements.
Tinubu also called for measures to cushion the inflationary impact of global conflicts, particularly on energy and transportation costs, while assuring Nigerians of improved protection through the deployment of new technology.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the President’s interventions and reaffirmed the commitment of governors to addressing insecurity.
“On behalf of my colleagues, the governors, we bring your excellency, season greetings from the people of our various states. 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,’’ he said.
AbdulRazaq also congratulated the President on his state visit to the United Kingdom and the outcomes recorded.
“While our mission has been to have a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the State Visit, first in 37 years, is bold and significant. It speaks to new levels of relationship 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,’’ he said.
Governors from across the federation attended the meeting, which focused on security, economic pressures and coordinated responses to emerging national challenges.
