Presidency

Tinubu: I’ll tackle insecurity, youth unemployment

President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration will tackle the insecurity bewildering the country until every Nigerian “goes to sleep with their two eyes closed”.

Tinubu made the declaration during a meeting with the monarchs under the aegis of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, June 9.

He stressed that the unity and togetherness of Nigeria cannot be compromised, saying every region of the country would get what it is due.

“We are going to tackle youth unemployment. It is only when we have prosperity for the country that we can create jobs that will employ our youths,” the President said.

Condemning crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region by “a tiny percentage” of the population, President Tinubu said it was counterproductive to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.

“We need to tame those involved in this sabotage and we will work as hard as possible to ensure that the diversity of this country is used for its prosperity, growth, and stability,” Tinubu added.

He told the traditional rulers that, with the campaigns and elections over, he is primed for governance, adding that his government has already signed a law that extends the retirement age of judicial officers from 65 to 70 years, while also addressing pension reforms.

Speaking on electricity, Tinubu said a constitutional amendment signed into law now allows Nigeria’s 36 states to generate electricity.

He said: “That’s devolution of power and that should be our contribution to the developmental projects you are looking for and we will continue in ways that will help our people.”

President Tinubu thanked traditional rulers for their early visit and prayers for the success of his administration, saying: “Without your prayers and support, I cannot stand before you as President and I thank you for your support during the campaigns.”

In their separate remarks, the Chairman and Co-Chairman of NCTRN, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, respectively, pledged the support and loyalty of traditional rulers from the six geo-political zones to President Tinubu.

They assured the President of their continued prayers in his resolve to move the country forward under his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

The Sultan said: “We are 100 per cent in support of your government and we believe in the will of the Almighty Allah you will move this country forward.

“We will contribute our quota to the development of the country once you reach out to us.

The Ooni of Ife enjoined President Tinubu not to underestimate the power and reach of traditional rulers in complementing the programmes and visions of the new government.

The Star