President Bola Tinubu has called on the governors of the six North-East states to strengthen efforts to tackle terrorism and banditry, saying closer collaboration is essential to restoring lasting peace in the region.
The President made the appeal on Thursday, July 23, while receiving a delegation of political leaders, traditional rulers and senior government officials from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Tinubu acknowledged the security challenges facing the region and stressed the need for collective action.
“I could see the leadership of the Northeast challenged because of terrorism and banditry. I could see our collaboration. We work together.
“Only when we stick together, think together, and face the challenges the best way possible as a united country do we prevail,” he said.
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The President also expressed optimism about the country’s economic direction, declaring that Nigeria had entered what he described as a “golden age” following efforts to stabilise the economy.
“The golden age is here now. If you can stabilise the economy, Nigerians are not asking for too much, simple stability and social welfare.
“We have our hands on the plough. We are never going to look back. I promise you, through the twists and turns of this democracy, Nigeria will survive.
“We will find our unity in diversity, a good path for democratic stability and prosperity. I promise you that,” Tinubu said.
The delegation included former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai; former governors and senators from the six North-East states; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President Ibrahim Hadejia; former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff; former Federal Capital Territory Minister Musa Bello; APC state chairmen from the region; traditional rulers, including the Shehu of Borno and the Emir of Gombe; former ambassadors and other dignitaries.