The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s call on state governors to prioritise the welfare of citizens over what it described as “white elephant” projects.
Gatekeepers News reports that the group, in a statement issued after an extraordinary meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State, commended the President for urging governors to channel increased revenues from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) towards improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
President Tinubu recently made the remarks while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who visited him to appreciate his role in securing the release of the kidnapped principal, teachers and students of a secondary school in Orire Local Government Area of the state.
According to the group, the President’s advice comes at a time when states have witnessed significant increases in monthly allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The organisation argued that projects such as airports and flyovers in states where they are unnecessary should not take precedence over programmes that directly improve the welfare of the people.
The group also urged Tinubu to mandate the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, to engage governors on policies that would deliver greater benefits to citizens.
It recommended the payment of all outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retired state workers, free education at public primary and secondary schools, reduced tuition in state-owned tertiary institutions, improved mass transit systems and stronger security measures to protect farmers and rural communities.
The statement was jointly signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, and National Secretary, Dr Nasir Balogun.
The group condemned the continued non-payment of retirement benefits by some state governments despite improved FAAC allocations, describing the situation as unacceptable.
It also called on Nigerians to actively participate in future elections by voting for candidates they believe can deliver effective governance at the state and local government levels.
On security, the organisation praised President Tinubu and security agencies for recent gains against criminal elements but urged the military to sustain operations against armed groups operating in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Katsina, Benue and the North-East to restore lasting peace across the country.
