President Bola Tinubu promised Monday that the establishment of state police to address insecurity would not be postponed.
He also stated that Nigeria had emerged from economic instability.
Tinubu informed Nigerians at an interfaith fast-breaking ceremony with governors and senior officials at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja that his administration’s resolve to combat insecurity through state policing remains intact.
“What I promise you is not to be postponed. We will establish state police to combat insecurity,” Tinubu stated during the event, which marked the first Iftar of the 2026 Ramadan season.
The president voiced hope about Nigeria’s economic prospects, saying, “We are out of the woods.” We have emerged from the dark tunnel of doubt. “The economy is showing up.”
In addition, the president urged Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to exhibit moderation amid political tensions in the state.
The governor just joined the All Progressives Congress, leaving his political godfather and former governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the New Nigeria People’s Party.
While parliamentarians elected on the NNPP platform followed the governor in returning to the APC, Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo remained with the NNPP.
The development has sparked political friction in the state, with the state House of Assembly purportedly attempting to impeach the deputy governor.
During the Iftar on Monday, the president stated, “I’m glad I see Abba from Kano; even though the cap is red, it’s not different from APC…I witnessed the crisis on TVC news; please balance justice and kindness.”
The president also advocated for inclusivity inside the ruling APC, pushing governors to accommodate younger party members.
“I will advise those in the same party with me to please bear in mind that those little ones, too, cry. Tolerate everybody… Let’s see the young ones breathe too,” he appealed.
Tinubu applauded Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum for his Ramadan outreach programs, describing the initiatives for both Muslims and Christians as “a very, very good spirit.”
He said, “I saw the layout of the Ramadan outreach for both Christians and Muslims.
“It looked more robust. I thought you would eat all the 300,000 shares.”
He noted that he had been receiving both progress reports and complaints from states, specifically referencing the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, whom he referred to as “my son, the farmer from Niger.”
He stated, “There are a lot of complaints and commendations coming from all angles.
“They will come from me too, but as long as we bridge together and we move together and determine to rescue this country, the best is yet to come to Nigeria.”
The president urged governors to extend development opportunities to grassroots communities and local governments, urging more compassion and inclusivity.
“Let’s go further to embrace the downtrodden, the young ones, and all the supporters.
“Be all-encompassing and let’s spread the development opportunity across to the grassroots, the local government,” he said.
The president emphasized the significance of Ramadan falling during the Christian Lent season, calling for discipline, sacrifice, faith, and togetherness.
“You know what it means, discipline, sacrifice, faith, resilience, and strong determination for us to continue to bridge together, pray together, and love one another for humility, love for our neighbors, and service for humanity,” he stated.
Earlier, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, praised Tinubu for promoting national unity at the interfaith event.
“It is not often that the Muslim Ramadan fast coincides with the Lent season. The last time was 33 years ago.
“This convergence is a special situation created by God to remind us Christians and Muslims not to allow religious and ethnic differences to guide our thoughts and our political activities,” Uzodimma stated.
He commended the President’s leadership style, saying, “Never in the history of this country have we had the opportunity of removing political beacons, closing ranks with the President and governors, and allowing a harmonious situation in our political environment to prevail.”
Uzodimma promised continued partnership, saying, “Nigerian governors will continue to work with you.
“We have appreciated the new reform policies you brought, the deliveries you’ve given to state governors to operate, the support and the interventions you’ve created,” he said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and several cabinet members attended the gathering.
Governors present included Alex Otti of Abia, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Usman Ododo of Kogi, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Mohammed Bago of Niger, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Abba Yusuf of Kano, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba.
Others were Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Bassey Otu of Cross River, Gabriel Mutfwang of Plateau, and Hyacinth Alia of Benue.
