President Bola Tinubu has called for unity of purpose and more collaboration between the federal, state governments and members of the National Assembly to achieve national development goals.

The President made the appeal while receiving state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly in Lagos on Friday.

Led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the delegation included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Kwara State governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Mr Shettima expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic resurgence and called for collective efforts to propel the nation forward.

He urged unity and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve shared prosperity and promised a brighter future for the nation.

“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal. By December, I hope we will have cause to celebrate. Let us coalesce to take the nation to a greater pedestal,” Mr Shettima said.

Emphasising Mr Tinubu’s role as a unifying leader transcending ethnic and religious lines, the vice-president noted that the gathering of 27 governors in Lagos, along with the leadership of the National Assembly and some former governors, bore the testimony of a detribalised leader.

He said, “This gathering cuts across ethnic, religious and political lines. Here, we have Pastor Eno of Akwa Ibom and Father Hyacinth of Benue, and as the President was seated, he was asking, ‘Where is Wammako, where is Yari’?

“That is the hallmark of true leadership. What binds us together supersedes whatever it is that may divide us. The future of the black man rests on Nigeria to make or break. Our economy has turned the corner. By the coming months, the economy will roar back to glory.’’

Mr Akpabio commended the state governors for emulating Mr Tinubu’s leadership style, characterised by listening to diverse voices and consulting widely with the people, irrespective of political affiliations.

“The governors are doing well. I can say so because I have been there before,” Mr Akpabio said.

Expressing confidence in the President’s leadership, Mr Akpabio noted that Mr Tinubu enjoyed the broad support of Nigerians across political divides.

The Senate president said, “As you coast home to victory for a second term, may all the governors seated here also coast home to a second term victory in their states.’’

In his remarks, Mr AbdulRazaq expressed support for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing it as a huge project that would have a significant impact on the nation when completed.

He commended the President’s efforts in stabilising the economy and improving living conditions, highlighting the positive developments in the country, which include the stabilisation of the exchange rate and decreasing food prices.

He attributed these improvements to the President’s initiatives and also lauded the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s funding for 8,800 primary healthcare centres.

The governor said, “We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel.’’

The governor also expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Federal Government to states, particularly in distributing grains to alleviate food shortages.

He said, “We are here to support you, and we also thank you for the support that you are giving to the sub-nationals. Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have. Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down.’’

Mr AbdulRazaq reiterated the governors’ commitment to supporting the President’s initiatives and pledged to continue complementing the efforts of the federal government in driving progress and prosperity across the nation.

(NAN)