President Bola Tinubu on Monday said his administration will not delay plans to establish state police to address insecurity, while expressing confidence that Nigeria’s economy is recovering.
Tinubu spoke during an interfaith Iftar with governors and senior officials at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja, marking the first fast-breaking of the 2026 Ramadan season.
“What I promise you is not to be postponed. We will establish state police to combat insecurity,” the president said.
He added that the country has emerged from economic uncertainty. “We are out of the woods. We are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is showing up,” Tinubu said.
The president also urged restraint in Kano State’s political tensions, addressing Gov. Abba Yusuf, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress from the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
“I’m glad I see Abba from Kano,” Tinubu said. “I saw the crisis on TVC News, please temper justice with mercy.”
The development has heightened tensions in the state, with reports that the Kano State House of Assembly may move to impeach Deputy Gov. Aminu Gwarzo, who remains in the NNPP.
Tinubu also called for inclusivity within the ruling party, urging governors to accommodate younger members.
“I will advise those in the same party with me to bear in mind that those little ones, too, cry. Tolerate everybody. Let’s see the young ones breathe too,” he said.
He commended Borno State Gov. Babagana Zulum for his Ramadan outreach programs, describing them as inclusive of both Muslims and Christians.
Tinubu said he has been receiving both commendations and complaints from states, noting that collaboration among leaders is key to national progress.
“As long as we bridge together and determine to rescue this country, the best is yet to come to Nigeria,” he said.
The president urged governors to expand development to grassroots communities and local governments, emphasizing compassion and inclusivity.
He also highlighted the coincidence of Ramadan with the Christian Lent season, calling for unity, discipline and service to humanity.
Earlier, Imo State Gov. Hope Uzodimma, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, praised Tinubu for promoting national unity through the interfaith gathering.
Uzodimma said the rare overlap of Ramadan and Lent offers an opportunity to strengthen interreligious harmony and national cohesion.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and several cabinet members attended the event, along with governors from across the country.
Prayers were offered by State House Chief Imam Abdulwaheed Sulaiman and Taraba State Gov. Agbu Kefas.
The dinner marked the third consecutive year of Tinubu’s Ramadan Iftar with political and government leaders.
