The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), comprising all governors on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, has thrown its full support behind President Bola Tinubu’s recent overhaul of the national security architecture.
The governors insisted that guaranteeing the safety of citizens’ lives and property is a core, non-negotiable duty of the government.
At a two-day meeting in Lagos, the PGF reiterated its confidence in Nigeria’s prospects for unity, peace, and prosperity, reports Persecondnews.
The event, hosted by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Eko Hotels and Suites and led by PGF Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo State), involved a comprehensive review of the security landscape.
The governors specifically applauded President Tinubu for the ‘improved coordination’ between various security tiers (federal, state, and local) and acknowledged the dedication of security agencies and community volunteers.
Hailing the President’s strategy, the APC governors declared that the security architecture’s re-engineering was a necessary and proper step.
Reading their resolution, Uzodimma announced the PGF’s commitment to supporting the President by focusing on strengthening community-based security initiatives, boosting intelligence gathering, developing conflict-prevention strategies, and providing aid to victims of violence and disaster.
The communiqué partly read: “The Forum reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between federal, state and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers. We then resolved to strengthen local security architecture in all the member states.
“The Forum commended Mr. President for the ongoing re-engineering in the security architecture of the country. Governors reiterated that safety of lives and property remains a non-negotiable obligation of government.
“We resolved to continue strengthening community-based security initiatives, intelligence gathering and conflict-prevention mechanisms, while supporting victims of violence and disaster.”
In their assessment of the political, economic, and social landscape, the PGF underscored a core principle: the goal of all ongoing reforms must be to enhance the quality of life, uphold citizens’ dignity, and broaden opportunities across the country.
The Forum enthusiastically hailed the President’s dedication to economic stabilization and his efforts to lay the groundwork for long-term, sustainable growth via the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Uzodimma said: “Recognising the temporary burdens that accompany necessary macro-economic reforms, the Forum reviewed the state of the economy and the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by citizens.
“Governors acknowledged the resilience and patience of Nigerians and expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices being made in the collective interest of a stronger and more inclusive economy.
“We resolved to intensify state-level interventions in areas such as food production and distribution, support to small and medium-scale enterprises, youth employment, social protection for the poorest and most vulnerable, and targeted relief for workers and low-income households.
“The Progressive Governors are committed to work closely with Federal institutions and local governments to ensure that things keep improving, that no group is left behind, and that the gains of reforms continue to translate into visible improvements in the quality of life of the people.”
The PGF noted the critical importance of infrastructure, urban renewal and rural development in driving productivity, attracting investment and improving living standards.
The governors commended the host state for its pioneering role in transport reforms, urban regeneration and innovative financing models, and agreed to deepen peer-learning and inter-state collaboration in these areas.
The PGF resolved to scale up investments in roads, housing, public transport, water and sanitation, digital connectivity and climate-resilient infrastructure, with a focus on inclusion and access for all communities.
It emphasised that infrastructure must be designed and delivered in a manner that is socially just, environmentally responsible and responsive to the needs of the youth, women, persons with disabilities and other often-marginalised groups.
Uzodimma also said: “The Forum reiterated that effective local governance is central to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots. Governors resolved to deepen reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and service delivery in local government administration, within the framework of the Constitution and in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
“We agreed to expand platforms for citizen engagement, including town hall meetings, consultation with traditional and religious leaders, civil society, labour, professional bodies, youth and women’s groups. The Forum affirmed that listening to the people, explaining government policies clearly, and adjusting implementation strategies based on feedback are essential to building trust and sustaining democratic legitimacy.”
The Forum also reiterated its unwavering loyalty to the APC, commending the leadership of the party for its efforts to strengthen internal democracy, discipline, reconciliation and inclusiveness.
The governors pledged to continue playing a stabilising role within the party, while ensuring that APC stayed focused on delivering on its mandate.
“The Forum reaffirmed its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the policies of APC governments at all levels. PGF emphasised that Progressive Governors see themselves as trustees of the people’s mandate and as a committee of leaders jointly responsible for translating the aspirations of Nigerians into tangible social and economic outcomes across the federation.”
The governors highlighted that social cohesion, inter-faith harmony, and inter-ethnic understanding are critical.
They appealed to leaders to leverage their voices and platforms to champion unity, moderation, and respect, effectively ensuring the isolation of criminality and hate speech wherever they occur.
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