By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that restoring peace, strengthening national security, and expanding economic opportunity are the absolute priorities of his government.
The President’s pledge came during a memorial for former Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, in Lokoja on Sunday. Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Tinubu stated that the state is “fully mobilised” to pursue the nation’s enemies “wherever they may be” and restore the peace that is the “rightful inheritance of every Nigerian.”
“Yet, we are under no illusions about the recent setbacks and security challenges that have tested our nation’s resolve. Let me be unequivocal: the security and welfare of every Nigerian remain the sacred priority of my government. We have therefore taken decisive action,” he said.
The comments were part of a statement issued by the minister’s Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim.
The Minister emphasised that the recent declaration of a State of Emergency on national security is not merely symbolic, but signals a renewed commitment to expanding security manpower, modernising intelligence, and pushing through strategic reforms—including the advancement of State Police as a community-sensitive solution to local threats.
“The recent Declaration of a State of Emergency on national security underscores the gravity with which we view this challenge. This is not a mere proclamation; it is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity,” Idris stated on the President’s behalf.
“As part of this, we have immediately begun the process of expanding the capacity of our armed forces and security agencies in numbers, in advanced weaponry, and in intelligence capabilities. We will hunt the enemies of our state wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian.”
He added that to secure the people permanently, the government must reform the very architecture of security, which is why the administration is “courageously championing the establishment of State Police.”
“We believe that a more localised, community-sensitive security structure is vital to complement the valiant efforts of our national forces. It will also boost employment at the grassroots. This is a bold, necessary constitutional step, one that requires our collective will, and we are committed to seeing it through,” he said.
The Federal Government is also intensifying international diplomacy to counter what it called false narratives that misrepresent Nigeria’s religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, he added.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Prince Abubakar Audu, the President described him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution—a leader whose foresight helped shape the governance of Kogi State and contributed to the nation’s transition to stable civilian rule.
“We are gathered to honour a giant. A man whose name is irrevocably woven into the very fabric of our democratic journey,” the President’s tribute read. “Prince Abubakar Audu was not just a politician; he was a pathfinder.”
Praising Audu as a “formidable ally” and a “founding father,” Tinubu said his legacy is a “living, breathing template of bold leadership and transformative governance” that his administration is committed to honouring through concrete action.
The President also highlighted ongoing economic reforms, including a new initiative to modernise the livestock industry.
The plan involves creating large-scale ranching schemes and integrating the livestock value chain into the national economy.
“Our goal is to transform this critical sector from a source of tension into a bastion of prosperity, creating jobs, ensuring food security, and fostering lasting peace between our farming and herding communities,” he stated.
Furthermore, he said his government is scaling up Social Investment Programmes to provide direct support to the most vulnerable, fund small and medium enterprises, and empower youth with competitive skills.
The administration is also undertaking an “unprecedented expansion” of national infrastructure, from modernising road and rail networks to enhancing power supplies.
“We are building the arteries that will connect our markets, power our industries, and unite our people,” the President said, assuring the people of Kogi State that the developmental legacy begun by Prince Audu is a model his government is “determined to replicate and scale across the nation.”
What's your reaction?
