During their visit to the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, the governors expressed their approval of President Tinubu’s decision to remove subsidies, praising his inclusive leadership and statesmanship.

Led by Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) commended President Tinubu for taking on the challenge of tackling the fuel subsidy issue. They also promised to collaborate with him to mitigate the short-term effects of this decision.

“The NGF will adhere to the constitutional and harmonious approach of working with you,” said AbdulRazaq in a statement.

President Tinubu emphasized the importance of viewing the nation as one large family and highlighted that good governance is crucial for safeguarding the future of democracy.

He stated, “We can observe the impact of poverty on the faces of our people. Poverty is not inherited; it stems from society. Our goal is to eradicate poverty. Let’s put aside partisan politics and come together to discuss Nigeria and nation-building.”

“We are a family living under one roof but in different rooms. By perceiving it this way and moving forward, we can uplift our people from poverty. A determined mindset is fertile ground for achieving results.”

“Present in this room is our cultural and political diversity, but we are one nation. The unity and stability of the country rely on us. We are in a democracy, and we must nurture it. It is a hard-earned system that is not easy to manage. If anyone believes it is easy, they should look at other nations that have had democracy for over a hundred years.”

The appeal was made after an emergency meeting held on Sunday, October 18. NGF Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi who condemned the attack on Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State, added that criminal elements and hoodlums have hijacked the protests by maiming innocent citizens, looting and destroying properties.

The statement read in full;

ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 20TH TELECONFERENCE EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE NIGERIA GOVERNORS’ FORUM HELD ON SUNDAY, 18TH OCTOBER 2020

We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at an emergency meeting held today, Sunday, 18th October 2020, deliberated extensively on the nationwide protests, riots and demonstrations.

Governors thereafter Resolved to:

Condemn the attack on Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State by armed persons while he was addressing anti-police brutality protesters in the state capital Osogbo; protesters are encouraged to engage with the government appropriately at both the national and state level to ensure that the protests are not taken over by hoodlums who are instigating a breakdown in law and order in many parts of the country.

Activate a Judicial Panel of Enquiry to receive all cases of police brutality by officers of the disbanded SARS Unit. Each State is also expected to kickstart a compensation mechanism for all victims.

Endorse the call by demonstrators for improved governance predicated on an enforcement regime that takes into cognizance the fundamental human rights and liberties of all citizens in the country;

Act on all the Demands made by the EndSARS protesters raising some concerns with the shifting nature of the demands which creates uncertainty on the exact expectations and ultimate goal;

Finally, appeal for the call off of protests as a continuation grossly exposes the fragile economic fundamentals of the country; particularly as criminal elements and hoodlums have hijacked the protests by maiming innocent citizens, looting and destroying properties.”