President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting state governors elected in 1999, otherwise known as the “Class of ‘99”, at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting which began at 04:25 pm is the President’s first meeting with the former governors who were elected at the dawn of the fourth republic.
Wednesday’s meeting is at the instance of Tinubu, who was also elected governor of Lagos State at the time.
Present are Olusegun Osoba of Ogun, Bisi Akande of Osun, Lucky Igbinedion of Edo, Saminu Turaki of Jigawa, James Ibori of Delta, Donald Duke of Cross Rivers, Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti, Orji Kalu of Abia, Obong Attah of Akwa Ibom and Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State.
Also present are Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu), Ibrahim Turaki (Jigawa), Adamu Muazu (Bauchi), Ahmad Yerima (Zamfara), Jolly Nyame (Taraba), Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto) and Joshua Dariye (Plateau).
Speaking during the visit, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured Nigerians that the framework for palliatives to remedy the effects of fuel subsidy removal was being worked out, assuring that the decision was in the best interest of the country, especially in guaranteeing future prosperity.
He appealed for more patience from Nigerians, while the government will increase effort, speed up the process and ensure a full-proof social security structure that will not be compromised, especially in cash-transfer.
“I understand that our people are suffering yet there can be no childbirth without pain. The joy of childbirth is the relief that comes after the pain. Nigeria is reborn already with fuel subsidy removal. It is a rebirth of the country for the largest number over a few smugglers.
“Please tell the people to be a little patient.
The palliative is coming. I don’t want cash-transfer to fall into wrong hands. I know it pinches and it is difficult. In the end, we will rejoice in the prosperity of our country,’’ he told the governors, who were led by former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion.
“We served as governors and sat in this Council Chamber. All I wanted was democracy and the salvation of the country. I never thought I was going to be here as President, but God Almighty has brought me,’’ President Tinubu stated.
The President assured the governors and Nigerians that he will work towards “unity, equity, stability, and prosperity of the country’’.
“My commitment to that democratic value is unwavering. I am overwhelmed and honored by the numbers of you here,’’ he said, “I have an open door policy. You are my advisers. We went into the pond and wrestled with a pig. We got dirty, and cleaned up. That is why I am here today.’’
President Tinubu noted that the country will not make meaningful progress without fixing electricity, assuring that his administration will harness gas resources, and explore every opportunity to ensure stable power generation and supply.
On Security, the President who had earlier met with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State to review situation in the North East, appealed to Nigerians, especially Plateau State, to sheath their swords and use dialogue in resolving conflicts, adding that issues of borders were man-made, not created by God.
“We will do everything possible to stabilize the country,’’ he added.
The former governors urged the President to pursue his vision for a greater Nigeria with vigour, steadfastness, and resilience, trusting their support for development policies, and promising to provide the necessary social structure for actualization.
“We are here with you. We are your foot soldiers, and you can tap into our experience. You are a person who believes in Nigeria. With your good leadership, Nigeria will take its place,’’ Igbinedion, Chairman, Class of 1999, said.
He affirmed that they were 19 at the meeting, including President Tinubu, who was former Governor of Lagos State and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, former Governor of Benue State, while ten of their mates had passed on.
