Governors have reaffirmed the pledge to raise their performance in line with calls by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for them to ‘wet the grass further’.
They use the opportunity of the Independence Day programmes and statement to convey their willingness to do more.
The President’s admonition is based on the improved revenue going to the states and councils as fallout of the removal of petrol subsidy.
From about N700 billion being shared from the Federation Account to the federation, states and council pre-May 2023, the Federation Account Allocation has risen to N2.2 trillion shared in August.
In many of the states, there were activities to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the military parade which would have been held in Abuja was cancelled in the last minute.
The only activities from the Federal Government were the broadcast by the President and his inauguration of the refurbished National Art theatre in Lagos, which was named after Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.
They urged Nigerians to place patriotism and national unity above religious sentiments and ethnicity.
In messages to their people and Nigerians, Governors Usman Ododo (Kogi), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike urged Nigerians to support the reforms of President Tinubu’s administration.
Ododo urged the people of Kogi to renew their love for the country and shun division.
He said: ‘Independence Day is more than a date on our calendar; it is a call to patriotism, to unity, and to the shared responsibility of building a nation that guarantees peace, justice, and prosperity. Our strength as a people lies in our courage to overcome challenges’.
The governor sympathised with victims of the boat accident in Ibaji Local Government, which claimed lives.
He vowed to promote people-focused policies, infrastructural renewal, healthcare reforms, educational transformation, agricultural expansion, and improved security.
Ododo added: ‘As patriotic citizens, let us continue to support the laudable reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose bold steps have set a template for sustainable development. As a nation, we are reaping the fruits of his courage’.
Mutfwang said the celebration offered opportunities for sober reflection, urging Nigerians to pray for peace and unity.
