Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has advised Nigerians to persevere despite hardship to enjoy the benefits of President Bola Tinubu’s economic initiatives. 

Mr Bello said state governors felt citizens’ pains and would complement the federal government’s initiatives to provide relief.

“We feel their pains and trust the people to be patient in this trying phase so that they will reap the benefits of the new government’s economic initiatives,” the governor said after meeting with Mr Tinubu on Friday in Lagos.

Mr Bello said the successful implementation of the succour pledged by the federal government to cushion the negative effect of the fuel subsidy removal must be matched by all tiers of government.

“Now we have a leader who has clearly spelt out his policy direction for revamping the economy, and he needs all our support,” said Mr Bello.

He added, “That support will be complemented by the state governors.”

Similarly, Hyacinth Alia of Benue said his government had marshalled an action plan to restore the state’s lost glory “after the long drought”.

He said the state government has worked out immediate policies to stimulate the civil service and agriculture sectors as remedial interventions towards a vibrant Benue.

“The people of Benue, and indeed all Nigerians, can be rest assured that a new dawn is coming to Benue.

“I want to restore Benue to its position of being the food basket of Nigeria. Agricultural potential in the state is worth more than crude oil,” Mr Alia said.

State governors in the country have national, zonal and local fora, irrespective of party affiliations, where they meet to harmonise policies and programmes.

The Nigeria Governors Forum, the Progressive Governors Forum and the six zonal chairmen of governors are all systems for such meetings of minds.

(NAN)