By Obaike Odihue
President Bola Tinubu, Wednesday, commended the resilience and collaboration of governors in the North-East, noting that despite daunting security and developmental challenges, the region has recorded remarkable progress in stabilisation, resettlement, and social services.
“I have looked more carefully at the security situation. I see the efforts of civilian JTFs and communities. This has again provoked my thinking on state police. We can work with the National Assembly to design a framework that guarantees local ownership while ensuring political neutrality,” the President declared.
Speaking at the State House while receiving members of the North-East Governors’ Forum led by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Tinubu said his administration had, in just two years, turned the economy around, supported resettlement of displaced persons, and prioritised infrastructure, health, and education.
“Our history since we came into office has been about facing challenges with determination. We campaigned, convinced Nigerians, and won elections. Ever since, we have confronted the realities of governance. Together, we can beat our chest that the economy has turned around and displaced citizens are returning to their homes under roofs provided by resettlement and housing programmes,” he said.
The President lauded Yobe State for producing outstanding students despite disruptions and praised regional efforts in security, housing, and agriculture. He assured the governors of continued Federal Government support to consolidate the gains already made.
On food security, Tinubu highlighted his administration’s push for mechanisation.
“We are all driving towards food sovereignty. Soon, each zone of Nigeria will have a training and maintenance centre for mechanised agriculture. This is the path to achieving food security,” he said.
He stressed that despite distractions from early political manoeuvres, he remains “laser-focused” on governance and on delivering dividends of democracy.
Responding, Governor Zulum thanked the President for sustaining the fight against insurgency and supporting environmental mitigation in the region.
He outlined priority demands, including sustained military operations in the Lake Chad basin, funding for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), completion of critical road projects, and renewed oil exploration in Kolmani and Lake Chad.
“With your Renewed Hope Agenda, we are confident decades of neglect and environmental challenges in the North-East will be reversed. We assure you of our full partnership as you provide good governance and lasting legacies for Nigeria,” Zulum said.
