President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised governors of various states to set aside complaints and get to work.
News Week Nigeria reports that Tinubu gave the charge while inaugurating the Vice President Kashim Shettima-led National Economic Council (NEC) at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, on Thursday, June 15.
Tinubu urged Nigerian governors to collaborate and engage their local governments to rapidly develop infrastructures in view of the enormous challenges the nation is facing. “You and I asked for it. We campaigned for it. We even danced for it. So, we have no reason to complain,” Tinubu said. “Members of this country are behind us. They want reforms and they want it quickly. You here are stakeholders…. Collaboration is not a crime. Please, let us do so.”
The NEC inauguration comes barely a week after the President directed NEC to meet and come up with interventions to cushion the effect of the petroleum subsidy on the citizens.
Tinubu also charged the council to support his administration in transforming the economic fortunes of the country. The council is currently holding its first meeting.
The NEC is expected to meet monthly and has the mandate to advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation, and in particular on measures necessary for the coordination of the economic planning efforts or economic programmes at the state level. Membership of the NEC comprises of the 36 state governors, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other co-opted government officials.
Those in attendance as at the time the meeting commenced were governors of Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Osun, Ademola Adeleke; Kogi, Yahaya Bello; Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji; Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule; Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno; Enugu, Peter Mbah; Cross River, Bassey Otu; Plateau, Caleb Muftwang; Kebbi, Nasir Idris; Katsina, Aliyu Radda; and Benue, Hycinth Alia.
Others are Zamfara, Dauda Lawal; Ogun, Dapo Abiodun; Anambra Charles Soludo; Yobe, Mai Mala Buni; Taraba, Agbu Kefas; Gombe, Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori; Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara; Niger, Mohammed Bago; and Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu. Governors of Ebonyi, Francis Nwifuru; Kaduna, Uba Sani; Edo, Godwin Obaseki; Abia, Alex Otti; Bayelsa, Douye Diri; Kano, Abba Yusuf; Bauchi, Bala Mohammed; Oyo, Seyi Makinde; Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur; and Deputy Governor of Ondo, Lucky Ayedatiwa were also in attendance.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari; Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein; Acting Governor of Central Bank, Folashodun Shonubi; Permanent Secretaries Budget and National Planning, Federal Capital Territory Administration, and State House were also at the inauguration.
