President Bola Tinubu on Thursday appealed to all state governors to set aside their political differences and focus on governance.
He also said the country is no longer in the state he met it since assuming office nine months ago, assuring Nigerians that the “tunnel is not as dark as when we started”.
“Since we recognise the need to build our nation together, the time for politics is over. It is now time for governance,” Tinubu said when he hosted Governors for a Ramadan Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this in a statement on Thursday titled ‘President Tinubu to Governor: It is time for governance; let us set aside political differences.’
Highlighting the significance of the holy month of Ramadan and the Lenten season for Christians, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to use the solemn season for reflection, prayers, and charity towards others.
He said, “Your excellencies, it is a very great honour to have you here to share the breaking of the fast. What I just want to say is the promotion of the message of the month of Ramadan which coincides with the Christian Lent.
“This overlapping period is very valuable to our country. And we should utilise it to pray more for our country and be good to one another and our neighbours.
“We are of the same family and parents; living in the same house, but sleeping in different rooms. We must cooperate and spread love among each other.”
Acknowledging the difficulties facing the nation, Tinubu expressed optimism about the future, noting that the challenges are beginning to respond to the solutions being implemented by his administration.
“I am glad that the headwinds are almost over. The tunnel is not as dark as when we started. It is going to be brighter and brighter. We must communicate with each other, stick together, and share joy,” the President said.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the Federal Government for distributing 42,000 tons of grains, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between the national and sub-national governments in addressing collective challenges.
On the payment of wage awards to workers, the governor promised that the states would do the right thing.
”Wet season farming is almost here, and I want to implore all governors to engage in the farming business, so that we can all appreciate the challenges of ordinary farmers and ensure that we have a bumper harvest at the end of the farming season,” the NGF Chairman said.
The governors are the President’s first set of Iftar guests, and he is expected to host more such gatherings with senior government officials in the course of the holy month.
In past Ramadan fasts, former President Buhari had hosted the leadership of the National Assembly, the Judiciary, the All Progressives Congress, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers, among others.