All governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their weight behind the recent re-engineering of national security architecture by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that safety of citizens’ lives and their property remains a non-negotiable obligation of the government.
The Governors, under the aegis of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), met for two days in Lagos in a strategic meeting, where they discussed sundry matters affecting the state of the nation.
The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted the meeting held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island.
The Forum, led by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, issued a communiqué at the end of the meeting, reiterating its confidence in Nigeria’s future as a united, peaceful and prosperous country.
Members of the Forum, during the meeting, reviewed the security situation across the country, expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for what they called “improved coordination” between Federal, state and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers.
The APC governors hailed the President’s handling of security challenges, pointing out that the re-engineering in the security architecture of the country by the President was in order.
Reading the communiqué, Gov. Uzodimma said the PGF resolved to support the President’s effort by continuing to strengthen community-based security initiatives, intelligence-gathering, conflict-prevention mechanisms and support for victims of violence and disaster.
The Forum hailed the President on his commitment to stabilising the economy and laying the foundations of sustainable growth through the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
Uzodimma said: “Recognising the temporary burdens that accompany necessary macro-economic reforms, the Forum reviewed the state of the economy and the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by citizens. Governors acknowledged the resilience and patience of Nigerians and expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices being made in the collective interest of a stronger and more inclusive economy.
“We resolved to intensify state-level interventions in areas such as food production and distribution, support to small and medium-scale enterprises, youth employment, social protection for the poorest and most vulnerable, and targeted relief for workers and low-income households.
“The Progressive Governors are committed to work closely with Federal institutions and local governments to ensure that things keep improving, that no group is left behind, and that the gains of reforms continue to translate into visible improvements in the quality of life of the people”, he stated.
The Forum noted the critical importance of infrastructure, urban renewal and rural development in driving productivity, attracting investment and improving living standards.
The PGF resolved to scale-up investments in roads, housing, public transport, water and sanitation, digital connectivity and climate-resilient infrastructure, with a focus on inclusion and access for all communities.
The Forum also reiterated its unwavering loyalty to the APC, commending the leadership of the party for its efforts to strengthen internal democracy, discipline, reconciliation and inclusiveness. It pledged to continue playing a stabilising role within the party, while ensuring that APC stayed focused on delivering on its mandate.
The governors underscored the importance of social cohesion, inter-faith harmony and inter-ethnic understanding, urging leaders to use their voices and platforms to promote unity, moderation and respect, while isolating criminality and hate speech in all its forms.
