President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians not to reward governors who have failed to deliver on their promises with re-election. In his statement, he emphasized the need for citizens to hold their elected leaders accountable and make informed decisions during elections based on performance. Tinubu’s plea comes at a critical time when the country faces various socio-economic and political challenges that require competent leadership. As such, voting for leaders who have shown little or no commitment to serving the people and delivering on their mandates would be detrimental to the country’s progress.
During a meeting with Muslim scholars at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on August 24, 2023, the President made an appeal. The scholars had requested that he monitor the distribution of palliatives given to states to mitigate the negative impact of fuel subsidy removal. In response, Tinubu asserted that a president does not possess the authority to issue orders to state governments within a constitutional democracy. He could only implore governors to adhere to directives issued by the Federal Government.
While emphasizing his inability to dictate terms to states due their proximity and connection with citizens, the President urged people to vote out underperforming governors. “The populace resides within each State; even if I establish a panel, I must navigate through local governments and governors,”he stated. “We shall continue engaging with these officials but Nigerians must hold them accountable.”He further emphasized that it is unprecedented for a president in a constitutional democracy like Nigeria’s would give direct orders to individual states; thus he can only make appeals for implementation of policies.
“The citizens of the states hold the power to vote out governors who fail to perform their duties satisfactorily,”he stated. Additionally, the president revealed plans for further palliative measures aimed at aiding micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It is worth noting that the federal government had previously authorized a N5bn relief package for each state in order to mitigate economic challenges stemming from fuel subsidy removal.”
– By Osaiyekemwen Confidence
