President Bola Tinubu, says he would not hesitate to sack any of his ministers that are performing below expectations.
Tinubu issued the Riots Act on Thursday, during a meeting with the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the State House, Abuja.
The President, who addressed the issue of the growing number of out-of-school children in the northern part of the country, said it was “unacceptable”.
Tinubu also commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on the improving security situation in the country, and appealed to State governments to prioritise the needs of local communities by ensuring accountability and effectiveness in the local government administrations.
Highlighting the significance of education in nation-building, the president described the situation of out-of-school children in parts of Nigeria as unacceptable.
He further said, “We are still building Nigeria, and I am glad that you have emphasised the need for development. The infrastructure decay is unacceptable; and the level of poverty in the North is unacceptable. We must eliminate the source of these trends.
“Everybody wants to be secure, and we need to invest more in technology. We will do it, I promise you. We will put our heart and soul into ensuring that Nigeria is secure and its citizens are protected.
“The AKK project, the dredging of the River Niger, and improving port access and infrastructure nationwide, in order to shorten travel time, will make us more prosperous as a nation. We have to fight insecurity so that people can make a decent living anywhere they live.
Tinubu also addressed economic development and livestock management, stating that, “Animal husbandry has been a huge problem for Nigeria. Dairy farms can grow our economy significantly.
He used the occasion to appeal for national unity and continued support for his Government as it solves decades-long challenges confronting the populace.
“As long as we are together, and we have to be together, there is strength in our diversity. Our strength and opportunity are built into our population.
The President, while thanking the cabinet members for their efforts, however said: “I will relieve any of them of their duties anytime I feel that they are failing Nigerians”.
He, therefore, directed the establishment of a committee to follow up on the issues raised at the meeting and assigned the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to lead the follow-up efforts.
Leader of the delegation and Chairman, Board of Trustees of ACF, Bashir ?alhatu, had earlier congratulated Tinubu on his first year in office and expressed the Forum’s appreciation for his achievements and service to the country.
The ACF BoT chairman highlighted several achievements within the President’s first year in office, including the prioritisation of funding for agriculture and education, as well as the maintenance of good relations with Nigeria’s neighbours.
He applauded the President for prioritising the Sokoto-Badagry Highway and the Trans-Saharan highway and his implemented measures to fast-track the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
?alhatu said Northern Nigeria reposed strong trust and confidence in President Tinubu.
