By: ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU
The Muslim Media Watch of Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for challenging the State governors to prioritise peoples’ welfare above projects being executed in their States.
In a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator of the Group Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi and the National Secretary Dr. Nasir Balogun says since 2023, FAAC Monthly Allocations have increased tremendously as a result of withdrawal of petroleum subsidy, which increase accrued revenue to Federal and States government.
According to it building of fly-overs across States where they are not necessary is a waste of public funds as cautioned by the president.
It says the governors Instead should look into better ways of helping the less-privileged and the poor in their States inorder to relieve them of their economic burdens.
The group appealed to the President Tinubu to detail the National Economic Council (NEC) under the leadership of the Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima to table the issues of good governance before the Governors.
It explains that areas to focus on for the benefit of the masses included clearance of all outstanding entitlements of all public servants who have retired from their States as done by President Bola Tinubu for Federal Public Servants.
It notes that cancellation of school fees in all Public Primary and Secondary Schools in all States as well as drastic reduction of tuition fees in all Tertiary Institutions owned by State Governments, revival or setting-up of Mass Transportation by Road System for the people in their Cities and inter-city transportation to force-down the cost of transportation among others should also be looked into.
The Group also call the Governors to set-up effective security network to complement other Security Agencies for the protection farmers and their farmlands as well as the generality of people from frequent criminals attacks.
The Group maintained that non-payment of States’ retirees their full entitlements after 35 years of service is inhuman and condemnable as some States that take the least FAAC Monthly Allocations now receive up to N14 Billion Naira monthly, pointing out that that all retirees up to 2025 must be paid, and pension and gratuities must henceforth be paid as at when public officers are leaving the service to prevent future accumulation of unpaid entitlements.
On the forthcoming election, the Group appealed to the Nigerian masses to ensure that they troop out in large number to vote for the candidates of their choice – pointing out that good governance at the State and Local Governments level is vital to their future well-being than the white elephants projects being embarked upon in most States of the Federation.
On Security, the Group commended the President and the Security Organizations for the success achieved so far, it however urged the Military to use the newly established Military Formations to exterminate all the non-state actors still terrorising Nigeria especially in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Katsina, Benue and all parts of the North East so that peace and stability could return to the Country.
