By Abdullahi Ahmad Bamalli
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged state governors to work with him to unite the country and reshape the economy.
The time of politics is gone, it is now time for real business, he said.
He put the cards on the table and gained the support of the nigeria governors forum (NGF) to abolish the petrol subsidy.
But the governors also pushed for palliatives to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
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The President spoke during his maiden meeting with governors, the main bloc in the National Economic Council (NEC) which is chaired by the vice president.
After yesterday’s meeting, there was no statement from the Presidency. The governors also did not speak with reporters.
However, a top source at the meeting said the “larger interest of Nigeria dominated discussions.”
The source said: “The President unfolded his pan-Nigeria agenda. He declared that politics is over, it is time to dream, think and work for Nigeria.
“He said he will work with the governors irrespective of party affiliations and partisanship. He pleaded for our understanding and cooperation. All he sought for was a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“He disarmed most of the governors with his usual anecdotes and deep thoughts on the state of the country. He succeeded in carrying everyone along. He earned the trust of the governors with his rapprochement.”
On the removal of fuel subsidy, another highly-placed source added:” The governors endorsed the decision of the President.
“We all knew the fuel subsidy removal was a fait accompli.
“But we demanded for palliatives to alleviate the burdens associated with the subsidy removal.
“The President assured the governors that he will work with the NEC to address challenges facing Nigerians.”
