.Forum affirms loyalty to united Nigeria, urges leaders to shun divisive rhetoric
By Our Reporter
All governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), under the aegis of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), have thrown their weight behind the recent re-engineering of national security architecture by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that safety of citizens’ lives and their property remained a non-negotiable obligation of the government.
The governors met for two days in Lagos in a strategic meeting hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island where they discussed sundry matters affecting the state of the nation.
The Forum, led by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, issued a communiqué at the end of the meeting on Saturday, reiterating its confidence in Nigeria’s future as a united, peaceful and prosperous country.
Members of the Forum, during the meeting, reviewed the security situation across the country, expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for what they called "improved coordination" between Federal, state and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers.
The governors hailed the president’s handling of security challenges, pointing out that the re-engineering in the security architecture of the country by him was in order.
Reading the communique, Uzodimma said the PGF resolved to support President Tinubu’s effort by continuing to strengthen community-based security initiatives, intelligence gathering, conflict-prevention mechanisms and support for victims of violence and disaster.
The communiqué reads: "The Forum reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between Federal, state and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers. We then resolved to strengthen local security architecture in all the member states.
"The Forum commended Mr. President for the ongoing re-engineering in the security architecture of the country. Governors reiterated that safety of lives and property remains a non-negotiable obligation of government. We resolved to continue strengthening community-based security initiatives, intelligence gathering and conflict-prevention mechanisms, while supporting victims of violence and disaster."
The Forum undertook a review of the political, economic and social environment in the country, noting that the purpose of reforms must focus on improving lives, protecting citizens' dignity and expanding opportunities for Nigerians.
The Forum hailed President Tinubu on his commitment to stabilising the economy and laying the foundations of sustainable growth through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
"Recognising the temporary burdens that accompany necessary macro-economic reforms, the Forum reviewed the state of the economy and the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by citizens. Governors acknowledged the resilience and patience of Nigerians and expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices being made in the collective interest of a stronger and more inclusive economy.
"We resolved to intensify state-level interventions in areas such as food production and distribution, support to small and medium-scale enterprises, youth employment, social protection for the poorest and most vulnerable, and targeted relief for workers and low-income households.
"The Progressive Governors are committed to work closely with Federal institutions and local governments to ensure that things keep improving, that no group is left behind, and that the gains of reforms continue to translate into visible improvements in the quality of life of the people," Uzodimma said.
The APC governors, while noting the critical importance of infrastructure, urban renewal and rural development in driving productivity, attracting investment and improving living standards, commended Lagos State, particularly, for its pioneering role in transport reforms, urban regeneration and innovative financing models, and agreed to deepen peer-learning and inter-state collaboration in these areas.
The PGF resolved to scale up investments in roads, housing, public transport, water and sanitation, digital connectivity and climate-resilient infrastructure, with a focus on inclusion and access for all communities.
It emphasised that infrastructure must be designed and delivered in a manner that is socially just, environmentally responsible and responsive to the needs of the youth, women, persons with disabilities and other often-marginalised groups.
"The Forum reiterated that effective local governance is central to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots. Governors resolved to deepen reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and service delivery in local government administration, within the framework of the Constitution and in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
"We agreed to expand platforms for citizen engagement, including town hall meetings, consultation with traditional and religious leaders, civil society, labour, professional bodies, youth and women's groups. The Forum affirmed that listening to the people, explaining government policies clearly, and adjusting implementation strategies based on feedback are essential to building trust and sustaining democratic legitimacy," the Forum chairman said.
The Forum also reiterated its unwavering loyalty to the APC, commending the leadership of the party for its efforts to strengthen internal democracy, discipline, reconciliation and inclusiveness.
It, therefore, pledged to continue playing a stabilising role within the party, while ensuring that APC stayed focused on delivering on its mandate.
"The Forum reaffirmed its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and the policies of APC governments at all levels. PGF emphasised that Progressive Governors see themselves as trustees of the people's mandate and as a committee of leaders jointly responsible for translating the aspirations of Nigerians into tangible social and economic outcomes across the federation," the communique read.
The Forum underscored the importance of social cohesion, inter-faith harmony and inter-ethnic understanding, urging leaders to use their voices and platforms to promote unity, moderation and respect, while isolating criminality and hate speech in all its forms.
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