Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff credits Tinubu's reforms for increased state allocations
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff stated that some states now receive federal allocations in two to three months that are equivalent to what Borno State received during his entire eight-year tenure, attributing this increase to President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 economic reforms. Sheriff, who governed Borno from 2003 to 2011, made these comments on Channels Television while defending the President's economic policies. He noted that Borno received approximately N150 billion in federal allocations over eight years, whereas some states now receive up to N55 billion monthly. Sheriff argued that Tinubu's removal of the fuel subsidy significantly boosted revenue available for distribution to states through the Federation Account Allocation Committee, preventing a fiscal crisis. He contended that the President deserves commendation for his economic management. Regarding insecurity, Sheriff emphasized that addressing security challenges is a shared responsibility, not solely that of the Federal Government, highlighting the constitutional roles of state governments in this area.
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Former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro stated that calls for state police in Nigeria stem from the federal police force being poorly funded, understaffed, and ill-equipped. Speaking on Channels Television鈥檚 Politics Today, Okiro emphasized that funding is the core issue undermining the force, rather than its structure. He noted that if the police were well-equipped, the discussion around state police would not be prominent. Okiro also highlighted that manpower shortages have led to the closure of many police stations across the country. His remarks come amidst a national debate on establishing state police, following the National Assembly's passage of a State Police Bill. Public figures like human rights lawyer Femi Falana and Labour Party鈥檚 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have expressed varied concerns, with Falana cautioning that state police might not resolve insecurity without addressing underlying issues like unemployment, and Obi urging a delay in implementation until after the 2027 general election due to fears of misuse against political opponents. Okiro has previously supported policing decentralization but also warned that Nigeria might not be structurally ready for 36 separate state police forces, suggesting a regional or geopolitical zone-based model as a compromise.
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Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme PAP, stated that the Niger Delta has become the most peaceful region in Nigeria, attributing this to President Bola Tinubu's administration and the support from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Otuaro made these remarks at the opening of a two-day Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP stakeholders in Abuja, attended by 120 participants. He emphasized that PAP's peacebuilding initiatives are yielding positive results under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda. Otuaro thanked President Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for their support, which he said has strengthened efforts to consolidate peace and stability. He also highlighted the government's investment in education and human capital development to prevent conflict, noting that approximately 8,500 scholarship beneficiaries are studying in Nigerian universities and 247 are pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. Otuaro expressed confidence that the Niger Delta would support President Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. The training is part of an inclusive approach to engage stakeholders in promoting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. The PAP, established in 2009, aims to end armed militancy by providing rehabilitation, education, and empowerment opportunities for former agitators, fostering peace and sustainable development in the region.