President Tinubu Hosts Governors at Interfaith Iftar, Urges Greater Compassion, Pushes for State Police

By Emmanuel Kwada

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday hosted state governors to an interfaith breaking of the fast (Iftar) at the State House, as Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan and Christians observe Lent.

In his address during the gathering, the President highlighted the significance of the overlapping sacred seasons for Nigeria’s two major faiths, describing it as a reminder that Nigerians are “first a people of conscience” beyond politics and policy.

President Tinubu commended the governors for their efforts and outreaches during the holy month but challenged them to intensify support for vulnerable citizens.

“To reach the young man who feels forgotten. To lift the woman who carries her family on tired shoulders. To touch the communities at the grassroots where hope sometimes flickers,” he said.

He stressed that development, compassion, and opportunity should transcend religion, tribe, and social status, reaffirming his commitment to rescuing the nation through collective action.

“What I promised Nigerians will not be postponed,” Tinubu declared.

The President emphasized security as the foundation of prosperity, noting that without it, economic activities and family peace suffer. He reiterated his determination to establish state police as a practical measure to address insecurity.

“This is not about politics. It is about practicality. It is about empowering states with the tools to protect their people while strengthening our national framework,” he explained.

Tinubu called for boldness in reforming ineffective systems and unity in safeguarding national values, concluding with the assurance that “Nigeria will be safer. Nigeria will be stronger,” and urging a collective commitment under the banner of “Nigeria First.”

The event aligns with recent messages from the President during the 2026 Ramadan period, where he has promoted unity, peace, and moral renewal amid the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent.

Similar Iftars have been hosted in previous years, often serving as platforms to engage leaders on national priorities including welfare and security reforms.

Tinubu’s renewed push for state police echoes his earlier statements in late 2025 and early 2026, where he described decentralized policing with safeguards as critical to improving national security and local protection.