…Say N5,000 palliatives insignificant
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former governors who served between 1999 and 2007—during which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu governed Lagos State—have urged the President to urgently address insecurity and stimulate job creation by establishing cottage industries across all local government areas.
The former governors made the call on Friday during a visit to the President at the State House in Abuja, warning that the current economic hardship demands more sustainable interventions than the N5,000 monthly palliatives being distributed by the Federal Government.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Chairman of the Class of ’99 Governors and former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, said the delegation advised the President to take urgent steps to fix the economy.
He emphasized that rural dwellers were the worst hit by the economic downturn.
“We came to see one of our own from the Class of ’99 and to discuss pressing national issues,” Igbinedion said.
“We are glad Mr. President received us warmly. We spoke extensively on the state of security, the economy, and agriculture. He shared our concerns and listened attentively to our suggestions.”
Igbinedion said the governors proposed several solutions to ease the burden on Nigerians, especially those in rural communities.
“We spoke about stabilizing the naira, and the President responded appropriately. It was a very fruitful deliberation, and he assured us his doors remain open for further dialogue,” he said.
On the way forward, Igbinedion stressed that security must come first.
“Without security, there can be no progress or stability,” he noted.
“We also urged the President to stabilize the economy by ensuring a steady foreign exchange rate and making goods affordable.”
He said the group strongly advised against relying solely on palliatives.
“What is most important is to create jobs. We suggested the establishment of cottage industries in all local governments to absorb unemployed youths. Giving out palliatives is not sustainable. If you give someone ₦5,000 today, what happens by lunchtime or dinnertime? ₦5,000 doesn’t go far.”
He described the meeting as a “heart-to-heart” discussion, adding that President Tinubu promised to consider their proposals.
“We appreciate the President’s openness and his willingness to look into our recommendations,” he said.
