Tinubu tasked the North East regional government to intensify the fight against insecurity, and said Nigeria was entering a ‘golden age’

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called on governors in the six states of the North East to redouble efforts in fighting terrorism and banditry, and stressed that stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational authorities is essential to restore lasting peace in the region.

The President gave the commission while receiving a delegation of political leaders, governors and other prominent stakeholders from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The visit was led by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, who chairs the North East Governors Forum.

While addressing the delegation, Tinubu acknowledged the security challenges facing the region and urged leaders to remain united in facing these challenges.

“I can see the leadership in the North East being challenged because of terrorism and banditry. I can see our collaboration. We work together.

“Only when we unite, think together, and face challenges in the best way as a united country can we win.”

The President also expressed optimism about the direction of his country’s economy, and stated that Nigeria had entered a new phase of stability and growth.

“The golden age has now arrived. If you can stabilize the economy, Nigerians will not ask for too much, just stability and social prosperity.

“We are ready to work hard. We will never look back. I promise you, through the twists and turns of democracy, Nigeria will survive.

“We will find unity in diversity, a good path to democratic stability and prosperity. I promise you that.”

Tinubu highlighted his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in the North East, and recalled his promise to improve road connectivity across the region.

“I remember when I passionately asked for some road network in the North East, as if we were starting a journey and writing a new manifesto. But I fulfilled that promise. I fulfilled it,” he said, referring to the ongoing Akwanga-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Expressway project.

The president also used the opportunity to reassure retirees that his administration is addressing inherited pension obligations.

“Among the current division there are several retirees.

“I hope you receive your retirement.

“I cleaned up the mess that came before me, but I’m not going to complain.”

Tinubu paid extraordinary tribute to former Vice Presidential candidate Babagana Kingibe, recalling his role in shaping progressive politics during the Social Democratic Party era.

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“When I started to enter politics, you were the chairman of our Social Democratic Party. You gave us a platform and a belief in the progressive philosophy that should be the hallmark of this country.

“Glad you were able to live through the twists and turns of democracy. Thank you for being who you are.”

Previously, Governor Zulum explained that the delegation’s visit was mainly to express appreciation to the President for retaining Vice President Kashim Shettima as vice presidential candidate in the 2027 presidential election.

“Your Excellency, we are here for only one main purpose, to show our appreciation and profound gratitude for the re-nomination of the most accomplished son of our region, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, as your vice-presidential running mate in the upcoming 2027 presidential election on the platform of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.”

He praised Tinubu’s decision, describing it as a recognition of his loyalty and competence.

“With this decision, you have once again demonstrated your great qualities as a leader who recognizes and rewards loyalty, competence and commitment.

“Vice President Shettima has demonstrated to everyone these qualities and more in the past three-plus years as he served as your trusted lieutenant, as you led our country with purpose, dedication and deep vision.”*l

Zulum also acknowledged the support of leaders from the North-Central and North-West geopolitical zones for Tinubu’s choice of running mate.

“Therefore, we also thank our brothers and sisters in the other two northern zones for their solidarity and self-deprecation in showing their full support for your decision.

“We hope to convey this appreciation to them in the near future, and we hope to reciprocate their brotherly gesture whenever we have the opportunity,” he said.

The Governor further commended the Federal Government for the ongoing infrastructure and development initiatives in the North East, including major road projects, rehabilitation of internally displaced persons, investments in agriculture, education and job creation.

Reaffirming regional political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, Zulum stated:

“On behalf of our governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, party members, women, youth and our teeming supporters, I would like to assure Your Excellency that the North East remains supportive of your government.

“In 2027, by the will of God, the North East region will field massively your tickets and all other APC candidates at all levels.

“We will do this not only because of what you have done for the region, but because we believe in your leadership and share the same vision of the future of Nigeria that you are building.”

Also speaking, former Vice Presidential candidate and senior statesman, Babagana Kingibe, assured the President of the continued support of respected political leaders in the North East.

“We are not all the active politicians you see on screen or in the media every day, but we are there.

“We are with our people. We guide them. We explain to them what the implications of the government’s policies are, and what the alternatives are. We are there to provide legitimacy because the people trust us.

“The community believes in us, and they know that wherever we are, there lies truth and hope.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the aborted June 12, 1993 presidential elections, Kingibe expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.

“Mr President, we are with you. We are with your government, and by God’s grace, you will continue where we left off in 1993, and bring hope to our great homeland.”

The delegation included former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), former governors, ministers, senators, APC state chairmen of six North Eastern states, traditional rulers led by the Shehu of Borno and the Emir of Gombe, former ambassadors and other prominent political and community leaders.