President Bola Tinubu on Monday pledged that the establishment of state police to combat insecurity will not be postponed.
He also declared that Nigeria has emerged from economic uncertainty.
Speaking at an interfaith breaking of fast with governors and senior officials at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Abuja, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration’s promise to tackle insecurity through state policing remains on track.
“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 expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic trajectory, declaring, “We are out of the woods. We are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is showing up.”
Speaking further, the President appealed to Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to exercise restraint amid political tensions in the state.
The governor recently joined the All Progressives Congress after dumping his political godfather and former governor, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso and the party, New Nigeria People’s Party.
While the lawmakers elected on the platform of the NNPP joined the governor in returning to the APC, the Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, stayed put in NNPP.
Speaking at the Iftar on Monday, the President said, “I’m glad I see Abba from Kano, even though the cap is red, it’s not different from APC…I saw the crisis on TVC news, please temper justice with mercy.”
The President also called for inclusivity within the ruling APC, urging governors to accommodate young party members.
“I will advise those in the same party with me to please bear in mind that those little ones, too, they cry. Tolerate everybody… Let’s see the young ones breathe too,” he appealed.
Tinubu commended Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, for his Ramadan outreach programmes, 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.”
The President 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.”
Tinubu 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 highlighted the significance of Ramadan coinciding with the Christian Lent season, calling for discipline, sacrifice, faith, and unity.
“You know what it means, discipline, sacrifice, faith, resilience, strong determination for us to continue to bridge together, pray together and love one another for humility, love for our neighbours and service for humanity,” he stated.
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.
Prayers were offered by State House Chief Imam Abdulwaheed Sulaiman for Muslims and Governor Kefas for Christians.
The dinner marked the third consecutive year of President Tinubu’s annual tradition of hosting political and government leaders for Ramadan Iftar.
