President Bola Tinubu urged all state governors to put aside their political disagreements and concentrate on governing.
He also mentioned that the country has changed since he took office nine months ago, and assured Nigerians that the situation is improving.
“Since we recognize the need to build our nation together, the time for politics is over. It is now time for governance,” Tinubu mentioned when he hosted Governors for a Ramadan Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu to Governor: It is time for governance; let us set aside political differences.’
Highlighting the importance of the holy month of Ramadan and the Lenten season for Christians, President Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to use the solemn season for reflection, prayers, and charity towards others.
He said, “Your excellencies, it is a very great honor to have you here to share the breaking of the fast. What I just want to say is the promotion of the message of the month of Ramadan which coincides with the Christian Lent.
“This overlapping period is very valuable to our country. And we should utilize it to pray more for our country and be good to one another and our neighbors.
“We are of the same family and parents; living in the same house, but sleeping in different rooms. We must cooperate and spread love among each other.”
Acknowledging the difficulties facing the nation, Tinubu expressed optimism about the future, noting that the challenges are beginning to respond to the solutions being implemented by his administration.
“I am glad that the headwinds are almost over. The tunnel is not as dark as when we started. It is going to be brighter and brighter. We must communicate with each other, stick together, and share joy,” the President said.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the Federal Government for distributing 42,000 tons of grains, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between the national and sub-national governments in addressing collective challenges.
On the payment of wage awards to workers, the governor promised that the states would do the right thing.
”Wet season farming is almost here, and I want to implore all governors to engage in the farming business, so that we can all appreciate the challenges of ordinary farmers and ensure that we have a bumper harvest at the end of the farming season,” the NGF Chairman said.
The governors are the President’s first set of Iftar guests, and he is expected to host more such gatherings with senior government officials in the course of the holy month.
In past Ramadan fasts, former President Buhari had hosted the leadership of the National Assembly, the Judiciary, the All Progressives Congress, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers, among others.
