• Promised to operate an open-door policy

Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Lagos on Thursday told governors to get ready to work with him in fixing the nation’s economy.

The President was busy as a bee on the 30th day of his administration.

He started with whistle-stop visits to two leading traditional rulers in Ogun State – the Awujale of Ijebuland Octogenarian Oba Sikiru Adetona in Ijebu Ode and the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo in Abeokuta – to say thank you.

On his return to Lagos, he attended a grand reception organized by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Government House in Marina.

Governors across party lines, All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, and the leadership of the National Assembly, among others, attended the event.

Another major highlight of the reception was the joint presentation of a gift to the President, who is the first Lagos State Governor of the fourth republic, by his three successors Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Sanwo-Olu.

It was the first time Ambode was seen with Tinubu since he left office in 2015.

Tinubu told the governors led by Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq (Kwara) that with their support and the bold steps he is taking, Nigerians are assured of a better future and Renewed Hope.

He said: “I promise to work with the governors through an open door policy that will return Nigeria from the brink to a resilient economy. Be ready you governors.

“I know what I’m going to do from Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and so on, and I want us to be partners so that we can rescue our country and make it whole again.”

President Tinubu also thanked party members for keeping faith in him during the long and tortuous journey to the presidency.

He added: “I’m very grateful. I thank my Vice President. You shall receive the joy of giving, the joy of perseverance, joy of resilience and endurance. You will see the reward for this country; it’s going to prosper and be prosperous.

“I say thank you to all of you and I appreciate tonight. I will continue to appreciate more when we work together to dissect the possible economic prosperity of our nation in favour of our children.

“I’m also glad to see former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Thank you, Akin. God bless you all.”

Speaking on behalf of NGF, AbdulRazaq, pledged that state chief executives, regardless of party affiliations, were ready to cooperate and work with the President to ensure the country becomes better and safer for all citizens.

He said: “NGF is excited that both the President and Vice President are alumni of the Governors’ Forum. We are committed to work with a federalist who worked to get things done in a truly federal system. We reiterate our support for a renewed hope agenda regardless of our parties.”

The APC governors at the reception were led by Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) Chairman Hope Uzodimma (Imo).

Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri represented the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Abia State Governor Alex Otti represented the Labour Party (LP).

Other governors were Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarrawa), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio reaffirmed the National Assembly’s resolve to work harmoniously with the President, telling him: “The National Assembly belongs to you, and all Nigerians.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu told Tinubu: “Lagos is proud of you”. He also expressed confidence in the president’s ability to offer good leadership.

He said: “I’m sure you will all agree that since he took his oath of office as the president of the largest black nation, we have seen uncommon pronouncement, uncommon audacity of change, a renewed hope that he promised us.

“I’m also proud of him to say that this is a tenure that begins with a promise of change and, within a short time, we are beginning to see that change.

“Mr President, your ascension to the seat was greeted with great war and expectations. We believed in you as a leader, a builder of men, talents, and a custodian of the best ideas of governance.

“I’m happy to say that indeed you are our Grand Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“You’ve catalysed a series of economic interventions, and policy changes, and you have sown the seed of future prosperity.

“Your administration has rekindled the attitude of resilience and integrity among fellow Nigerians.

“We are confident that under your leadership, Nigeria will reach unprecedented heights.

“We stand in solidarity with you in bringing your great vision for Nigeria to life, and we will join hands with the president to rebuild Nigeria.”

Former Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola also reiterated the need to support the president to succeed.

“Nigeria’s presidency is not a one-man job. He should be supported to succeed.

“Six of his policies in Lagos, as governor, have stood the test of time and have been adopted in other states and so I urge the governors to support policies that will be introduced by the president.”

Other dignitaries at the event include First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Kano State Abdullahi Ganduje and former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro.

The others are the APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, National Secretary Iyiola Omisore, State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman of Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

Business leaders were led by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Rasak Okoya. Royal fathers of Awori extraction were also present at the reception.