President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again assured that security and welfare of every Nigerian remain the sacred priority of his administration.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Sunday in Lokoja during an event to mark the ten year anniversary of the death of the first civilian Executive Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu.
According to him, the Federal Government is under no illusions about the recent setbacks and security challenges that have tested the nation’s resolve, hence the recent
declaration of a State of Emergency on national security.
Tinubu who was represented at the event by the Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris explained that the decision underscored the gravity with which his administration views the security challenge currently facing the country.
“This is not a mere proclamation; it is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity,” he said.
The President vowed that his administration will hunt down bandits and terrorists wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian.
To achieve a total victory over banditry and other violent crimes, Tinubu stressed the need to reform the country’s security architecture, saying this is why his administration is courageously championing the establishment of State Police.
“We believe that a more localised, community-sensitive security structure is vital to complement the valiant efforts of our national forces.
“It will also boost employment in the grassroots.
“This is a bold, necessary constitutional step, one that requires our collective will, and we are committed to seeing it through,” he explained.
President Tinubu further stated that his administration is concurrently, engaging in widespread diplomatic engagements to correct the false narratives about Nigeria.
He stated clearly that : ”
Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“The mischaracterisation of our country as a religiously intolerant nation is a gross distortion of our reality.
“We are actively presenting the true picture of Nigeria to the world, a nation where people of different faiths live, work, and pray side-by-side in peace.
“We will not relent until the world sees us for who we truly are.”
President Tinubu commended the late Governor Abubakar Audu for providing quality leadership and for laying a solid foundation for the development of Kogi State.
“As we remember Prince Abubakar Audu today, let us not only reflect on the past but also recommit to the future he helped to envision.
“A future of a united, prosperous, and secure Nigeria, where democracy delivers on its promise for all.
“His legacy is a challenge to all of us in leadership.
“It challenges us to be bold, to be visionary, and to be selfless in the service of our people.
The President commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his efforts at sustaining the developmental legacies of Prince Abubakar Audu, urging him not to relent.
“The continuity of good governance is the greatest tribute you can pay to a fallen hero.
“I urge you to continue on this path, and the federal government stands ready to partner with you to deliver even more dividends of democracy to the good people of Kogi State.
“In conclusion, as we remember Prince Abubakar Audu today, let us not only reflect on the past but also recommit to the future he helped to envision.
“A future of a united, prosperous, and secure Nigeria, where democracy delivers on its promise for all.
“His legacy is a challenge to all of us in leadership. It challenges us to be bold, to be visionary, and to be selfless in the service of our people,” he said
Also speaking at the event, the
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, a son of the late statesman, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing his father’s legacy.
He described the memorial as a solemn reminder of the enduring influence Prince Audu holds in the hearts of the people and the continued relevance of his contributions to the growth of Kogi State.
The Minister recalled his father’s visionary leadership, foundational reforms, and passion for public service, noting that successive administrations still draw from the structures and institutions he established.
The Minister highlighted his ongoing efforts to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company and strengthen Nigeria’s steel sector as a continuation of his father’s dream for industrial and economic development of Kogi State.
The Minister expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his continuous support to the Audu family.
He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, who attended the event.
He described Senator Akume as a friend and colleague of his late father from the class of 1999 governors, acknowledging his role in supporting and honouring Prince Audu’s memory.
Prince Shuaib Abubakar Audu commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and members of the State Executive Council for hosting the memorial as a state event.
He noted that it reflects the enduring respect Kogi State holds for Prince Audu.
He also acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, Capt. Idris Wada, and Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for their continued dedication to preserving his father’s legacy, describing their presence as a testament to the late leader’s far-reaching impact.
In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Chief Host of the event, described Prince Audu as a visionary leader whose transformative governance continues to shape Kogi State.
In a symbolic tribute, he announced the renaming of a major township road as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard, directing relevant agencies to install signage, repair roads, install streetlights, and beautify the area.
The Governor emphasised that these measures are part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to uphold Prince Audu’s ideals of unity, progress, and service to the people.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, said the late Prince Abubakar Audu was marked as an icon of development and great vision.
Akume acknowledged the contribution of late Governor Audu to the development of Benue State during the time he served as a Commissioner in the old Benue State.
He described him as a man who was genuinely loved by his people as one of the first Nigerians that won in a free, fair and credible elections.
The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in his remarks urged everyone to reflect on the life and times of the late former governor who he described as a revolutionary.
Bello said Prince Abubakar Audu served with all sincerity, who while in office took bold steps that have continued to impact positively of the people of Kogi State and Nigeria even long after his demise.
The event also featured the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, alongside a lecture and a launch of a book “Prince Abubakar Audu : A Legacy of Visionary Leadership”.
A former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, delivered a lecture at the event.
Kayode also reviewed and performed the launching a book in memory of Prince Abubakar Audu.
Dignitaries present included former Governors Capt. Idris Wada and Yahaya Adoza Bello, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, and members of the national and state house of assemblies among others.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
