…Tinubu said, “What I promise you will not be postponed. We will establish state police to combat insecurity,”
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | On Monday, President Bola Tinubu pledged that the planned establishment of state police to tackle insecurity will proceed without delay. He also affirmed that Nigeria has emerged from economic uncertainty.
Addressing an interfaith Iftar with governors and senior officials at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja, Tinubu reassured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to addressing insecurity through state policing. “What I promise you will not be postponed. We will establish state police to combat insecurity,” he said during the first Iftar of the 2026 Ramadan season.
The President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic outlook, declaring, “We are out of the woods. We are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is showing up.”
Tinubu also appealed to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to exercise restraint amid political tensions in the state. The governor recently defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting lawmakers elected on the NNPP platform to join him, while Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo remained in the NNPP. Allegations have since surfaced that the state House of Assembly is plotting to impeach the deputy governor.
Speaking at the Iftar, the President said, “I’m glad to see Abba from Kano. Even though the cap is red, it is no different from APC… I saw the crisis on TVC News; please temper justice with mercy.”
He urged inclusivity within the APC, calling on governors to accommodate young party members. “I advise those in the same party with me to remember that the little ones also have a voice. Tolerate everybody… Let the young ones breathe too,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu commended Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum for his Ramadan outreach programmes for both Muslims and Christians, calling them “a very, very good spirit.” He added, “I saw the layout of the Ramadan outreach. It looked robust. I thought you would eat all the 300,000 shares.”
The President noted that he receives both progress reports and complaints from states, specifically mentioning Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, whom he affectionately referred to as “my son, the farmer from Niger.” He stated, “There are many complaints and commendations from all angles. They will come from me too, but as long as we work together to rescue this country, the best is yet to come for Nigeria.”
Tinubu encouraged governors to extend development opportunities to grassroots communities and local governments, emphasizing compassion and inclusivity. “Let’s embrace the downtrodden, the young ones, and all supporters. Be all-encompassing and spread development to the grassroots and local governments,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of Ramadan coinciding with the Christian Lent season, he called for discipline, sacrifice, faith, and unity. “This means discipline, sacrifice, faith, resilience, and strong determination to continue to work together, pray together, and love one another with humility and service to humanity,” he said.
Earlier, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, praised Tinubu for promoting national unity at the interfaith gathering. “It is rare that Ramadan coincides with Lent—the last time was 33 years ago. This convergence reminds Christians and Muslims not to let religious or ethnic differences guide our thoughts or politics,” Uzodimma said.
He also commended the President’s leadership style: “Never before in our history have we had the opportunity to set aside political differences, work harmoniously with the President and governors, and create a stable political environment.” Uzodimma pledged continued support, noting, “Nigerian governors will continue to work with you. We appreciate the reforms, support, and interventions you have provided to states.”
The Iftar was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, cabinet members, and several governors, including Alex Otti (Abia), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Gabriel Mutfwang (Plateau), and Hyacinth Alia (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.
