Tinubu to Governors: Stop Building Unnecessary Flyovers

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to stop constructing flyovers in areas with little traffic and instead invest their increased federal allocations in road networks that improve living standards and enhance security operations across the country.

The President made the appeal on Thursday while receiving a delegation of Oyo State traditional rulers led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The monarchs had visited to congratulate him on the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area after spending 56 days in captivity.

Addressing the delegation, Tinubu noted that state governments now receive four to five times more revenue from the Federation Account than in previous years, stressing that the increased allocations should be used to deliver projects with direct benefits to citizens.

"The cost of operation is high. But the money that I'm pushing to the states, if you had it during your own time, or during my time, it would have been different," the President said.

"They are taking four to five times their money. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay. They should do more instead of building flyovers where there is no traffic. Build roads and artery networks to enhance the quality of life and improve accessibility for security agencies."

Speaking on security, Tinubu disclosed that terrorists responsible for the Oriire school abductions demanded the release of detained members of their criminal gang in addition to ransom, but his administration rejected the conditions.

"We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release members of their gangs already in detention, alongside the money they demanded. We said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals," he stated.

The President revealed that the Federal Government's decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions was a direct response to the Oriire abduction, explaining that the move would improve response time and strengthen military operations against terrorism and banditry.

According to him, the rescue operation succeeded because security agencies had adequate knowledge of the geographical terrain where the victims were held.

Tinubu also praised the Armed Forces for their professionalism during the operation and said every security incident provides valuable lessons for improving Nigeria's security architecture.

He further reiterated his administration's commitment to establishing state police, assuring Nigerians that adequate safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse while traditional rulers would also play active roles in local security.

The President attributed the worsening insecurity in parts of Nigeria to instability in neighbouring Sahel countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic, saying the influx of foreign armed groups has intensified security challenges.

He added that the Federal Government would continue strengthening forest guards and other security institutions to improve the country's capacity to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.