President Bola Tinubu has promised to be impartial and govern in accordance with the constitution of the country.

Tinubu also vowed to defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality, adding that his administration would promote economic growth and development through job creation.

The President said the task of turning around Nigeria’s economy from the age-long status of “potential to pragmatic” had started with the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates.

He made the declaration during the inauguration of the National Economic Council (NEC), an advisory body comprising the 36 state governors, CBN Governor, and other stakeholders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

President Tinubu assured the governors that his administration would address the issues that devalue the lives of Nigerians, with a focus on security, economy, jobs, agriculture, infrastructure, monetary policy, and fuel subsidy.

Tinubu said: “It is worthy of note that the monthly meeting of NEC chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima has remained officially the economic platform for robust dialogue among the federal government, the 36 state governors, the CBN, and other key stakeholders.

“In my inaugural speech of May 29th, 2023, I expressed this administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians in a manner that not just reflects our humanity, but encourages compassion towards one another and duly rewards our collective efforts to resolve the social ills that seek to divide us.

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“I also listed the principles that will guide our administration and it is as follows: to be impartial and govern according to the constitution and ensure the rule of law; to defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality; to promote economic growth and development through job creation, food security and putting an end to poverty; to prominently feature women and youths in all our activities; to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture and; to discourage corruption while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of various anti-corruption agencies.”

He noted that the policies and programmes of the government will be driven by compassion for the less privileged, adding that women and youths will be involved in the design and implementation of issues that impact their lives.

Tinubu added: “It is evident that the task of growing our economy is enormous but you and I asked for it. We campaigned for it, we even danced for it, we begged for it, so we have no reason to complain.

“We must harness the growth potential of Nigeria and bring about serious development that will take us from ‘a potential nation’ to a pragmatic economic development in a rapid manner.”

President Tinubu urged the NEC members to stimulate ideas through robust discussions that will improve the livelihood of Nigerians, while highlighting the exigency for interventions on poverty.

Rallying the governors for national development, Tinubu said: “Collaboration is not a crime, please let’s do it.”

The President stressed that significant steps had been taken by ending the fuel subsidy and unifying the foreign exchange rate.

He said: “This government will continue to transform the fortunes of our nation and bring about unprecedented development through good governance.

“We are committed to sustainable initiatives and programmes that will stimulate the rejuvenation of the economy without causing inflation.

“The plans and ideas we have presented, underscore our confidence and ability to meet the challenges of the day and pave the way for a better future.”

The Star