President Bola Tinubu on Monday pledged that the establishment of state police to tackle insecurity will not be postponed.
He also declared that Nigeria has emerged from economic uncertainty.
The President made the remarks at an interfaith breaking of fast with governors and senior officials at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja. The event marked the first Iftar of the 2026 Ramadan season.
“What I promise you is not to be postponed. We will establish state police to combat insecurity,” Tinubu said.
He expressed optimism about the country’s economic direction, stating, “We are out of the woods. We are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is showing up.”
During the gathering, Tinubu appealed to Abba Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State, to exercise restraint amid rising political tensions in the state.
Yusuf recently defected to the All Progressives Congress after leaving the New Nigeria People’s Party and parting ways with his political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
While lawmakers elected under the NNPP joined Yusuf in returning to the APC, Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo remained in the NNPP. The development has reportedly heightened political tension, with allegations that the Kano State House of Assembly is considering impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.
“I’m glad I see Abba from Kano, even though the cap is red, it’s not different from APC,” Tinubu said lightly. “I saw the crisis on TVC News, please temper justice with mercy.”
The President urged members of the ruling party to be accommodating, particularly toward younger members.
“I will advise those in the same party with me to please bear in mind that those little ones, too, they cry. Tolerate everybody… Let’s see the young ones breathe too,” he appealed.
Tinubu commended Babagana Zulum for his Ramadan outreach initiatives, which catered to both Muslims and Christians.
“I saw the layout of the Ramadan outreach for both Christians and Muslims. It looked more robust,” he said.
He also referenced Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, describing him as “my son, the farmer from Niger,” while noting that he receives both commendations and complaints from states.
“As long as we bridge together and move together and determine to rescue this country, the best is yet to come to Nigeria,” Tinubu added.
Earlier, Hope Uzodimma, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, praised the President for promoting unity.
He noted that the coincidence of Ramadan and the Christian Lent season was significant.
“This convergence is a special situation created by God to remind us Christians and Muslims not to allow religious and ethnic differences to guide our thoughts and political activities,” Uzodimma said.
He pledged continued cooperation between governors and the Federal Government, commending Tinubu’s reform policies and support to states.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and several cabinet members attended the gathering.
Prayers were offered by State House Chief Imam Abdulwaheed Sulaiman for Muslims and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas for Christians.
The dinner marked the third consecutive year of Tinubu’s annual tradition of hosting political and government leaders for Ramadan Iftar.
