President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will adopt an open-door policy to effectively address the nation’s challenges and translate its abundant potentials into tangible realities. The President made this commitment during an interactive session held on Friday with members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) at the Presidential Villa.
President Tinubu discussed several key issues with the traditional rulers, including fuel subsidy, national security, job creation, facilitating a conducive business environment, and the election of National Assembly principal officers. He emphasized his willingness to listen attentively to the concerns of the Nigerian people, reiterating his promise of an accessible government.
“We are all ears. We are ready to listen at any given time. I promise you an open-door policy, and that is the way I will govern,” President Tinubu stated. He encouraged the traditional leaders to reach out to him with any concerns they might have, emphasizing that although the government might not be perfect, it would strive to make the right decisions for the country.
Regarding the removal of fuel subsidy, the President appealed to the traditional rulers to help him convince Nigerians to trust in the government’s intentions, assuring them that fuel prices would eventually decrease. He expressed gratitude to the NCTRN for paying close attention to his decision to remove the subsidy and questioned the rationale behind supporting neighboring countries through smuggling activities.
“Why should we, with good hearts and sense, feed smugglers and act as Father Christmas to neighboring countries? The subsidy was a burden that would have brought Nigeria to its knees,” President Tinubu asserted. He defended the government’s actions, emphasizing the need to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian citizens over supporting unsustainable practices.
Acknowledging concerns about the lack of critical infrastructure in various parts of the country, President Tinubu pledged to eliminate any obstacles hindering national progress. He underscored the importance of protecting Nigeria’s resources and boundaries to secure the necessary funding for capital projects. “You cannot have development without capital projects,” he added, affirming the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Addressing the issue of leadership in the National Assembly, President Tinubu urged the traditional rulers to guide their subjects on managing their ambitions and fostering harmony within the legislative house. He expressed his readiness to collaborate with any elected representative, emphasizing that the success of the Nigerian project was of paramount importance to him.
On the topic of security, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the sector until all Nigerians can sleep soundly. He emphasized that the unity of the country would not be compromised and assured every region that it would receive its fair share of resources and attention. Additionally, he highlighted the government’s focus on tackling youth unemployment, noting that prosperity was necessary to create meaningful employment opportunities.
President Tinubu expressed concern over crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, attributing it to the actions of a small percentage of the population. He labeled such activities counterproductive to the nation’s economy and emphasized the government’s determination to address this issue and utilize Nigeria’s diversity for its prosperity, growth, and stability.
The President assured the traditional rulers that he was fully prepared for governance now that the campaigns and elections were over. He also discussed recent constitutional amendments that granted the 36 states the authority to generate electricity, thereby devolving power and fostering development.
Expressing gratitude for the early visit and prayers from the NCTRN members, President Tinubu acknowledged the support and pledged to work tirelessly for the advancement of the nation. In response, the Chairman and Co-Chairman of the NCTRN, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, and the Ooni of
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