By Goodluck B. Ikiebe
The key takeaways of the meeting between President Tinubu and State Governors.
The emergency meeting with Governors of the federation earlier today, Thursday, February 15, took place at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chief Nyesom Wike; and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun were also at the meeting, which commenced around 11:30 am.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the meeting as highlighted by Special Adviser to President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
1. On addressing insecurity which is also affecting farming and food production, President Tinubu made three key pronouncements.
A. More police personnel to be recruited to strengthen the force.
B. President Tinubu informed the Governors that the federal government will work with them and the National Assembly towards putting in place a mechanism that will engender State Police instead of the vigilantes that are being used in some States.
C. The President charge the Governors to strengthen their Forest Rangers and arm them to keep all the forest safe from criminals.
D. Modalities for State Police and addressing security issues to be discussed further at National Economic Council.
2. On the rising cost of food: The President directed that the State Governments and Federal government should collaborate to increase local food production. The President advised against the idea of food importation and price control when local food producers should be encouraged to produce more food.
3. The President advised Governors to follow the example of Kano State in dealing with the hoarding of food for profiteering by commodities merchants.
He directed the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, and Department of State Services to monitor warehouses hoarding food items across the country and stop profiteering by merchants.
4. The President charged Governors to pay attention to livestock development in their states and increase production most especially poultry and fishing products.
5. The President pleaded with Governors to ensure all salary arrears to workers, and gratuities to retired workers and pensioners are cleared as a way to put money into the hands of the people since States are now getting more monthly FAAC revenue. Spend the money, don’t spend the people, he urged the Governors.
6. President Tinubu implored Governors to create more economic opportunities for the youths in their states to keep them more productively engaged.
