President Bola Tinubu announced on Thursday that he would not hesitate to dismiss any minister failing to meet performance expectations. This declaration came during his meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the State House, Abuja, where he addressed the growing number of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria, labeling the situation as “unacceptable.”
Commending the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the improving security situation, Tinubu also urged state governments to prioritize local community needs by ensuring accountability and effectiveness in local government administrations.
Highlighting the significance of education in nation-building, Tinubu described the out-of-school children situation as unacceptable. “Education is a tool against poverty, and that is what brought many of us here. We must use our education to serve the people and improve their conditions,” he stated.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of developing Nigeria’s education system to strengthen the economy. He assured collaboration with the ACF to address these issues intensively.
Regarding infrastructure and poverty in the north, Tinubu expressed the need to eliminate these issues. “The infrastructure decay is unacceptable, and the level of poverty in the north is unacceptable. We must eliminate the source of these trends,” he said.
Tinubu praised NSA Nuhu Ribadu for his efforts in improving security and promised further investments in technology to ensure Nigeria’s security. He also discussed the importance of projects like the AKK pipeline, the dredging of the River Niger, and improving port access to enhance national prosperity.
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Addressing local government effectiveness, Tinubu called on governors to be more sympathetic to local community needs. “If the local governments are not effective in delivering services, we must recalibrate our approach,” he urged.
On economic development and livestock management, Tinubu highlighted the potential of dairy farming to boost the economy and called for collaboration between herders and state governments.
Tinubu appealed for national unity and continued support for his administration, emphasizing the strength in Nigeria’s diversity. He also expressed readiness to dismiss any cabinet member failing to meet expectations.
He directed the establishment of a committee led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to follow up on the issues raised at the meeting.
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ACF Chairman Bashir Dalhatu, leading the delegation, congratulated Tinubu on his first year in office and praised his achievements. Dalhatu highlighted Tinubu’s commitments to the North, which had bolstered trust and confidence in his leadership. He also commended Tinubu for prioritizing key infrastructure projects and measures to complete the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
With these developments, Dalhatu expressed confidence that Tinubu would continue to address the economic and social challenges in Northern Nigeria.