Abuja: The Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has urged the Forum of Ex-Councillors to support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and propagate its benefits at the grassroots.
Idris made the call when the National Forum of Ex-Councillors, led by its President Alhaji Auwal Hassan, paid him a courtesy visit to honour him with the Award of ‘Defender of Democracy’ on Friday in Abuja.
The minister appreciated the forum for its efforts in supporting democracy in the country since 1999.
“I want you to support the reforms of President Bola Tinubu; Yes, it may be tough, but people, including global analysts, have started seeing the fruits of the reforms.
“We are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. The removal of fuel subsidies has now started providing resources for states and local governments to perform better than before.
“Look at the students’ loan, the agriculture sector, regional development commissions, Blue and Marine Economy, tax reform, and many others.
“Please, I urge you to ensure that the messages of Tinubu’s reforms and its benefits get to the grassroots across the country, this is because your forum is closer to the people,” Idris said.
The minister recalled that many years ago, local governments were truly independent and working for the people at the grassroots, but they gradually declined over the years.
“Tinubu came and decided that there is a need to make the local governments strong and independent again, that is why he sought constitutional interpretation at the Supreme Court, which led to Local Government Autonomy.
“Today, states and local governments are getting more resources to work with.
Since 1999, we have had an unbroken governance, and we want to keep it that way. We must ensure that states and local governments function to strengthen democracy.
“We want to thank you for your strength and for believing in strengthening democracy. Tinubu has done well for the country in terms of democracy and development in all spheres of endeavours, “Idris said.
He appreciated the forum for honouring him with the award of ‘Defender of Democracy’.
Speaking earlier, Hassan commended Idris’s efforts in defending democracy and promoting the remarkable achievements of the Federal Government.
According to him, the forum has over 70,000 members nationwide in the grassroots.
“We exist to ensure that our democracy is strengthened and sustained. We are here to honour you with the award because you are doing a commendable job as the image maker of the country.
“You have revitalised News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Nigerian Television Authority, Voice of Nigeria, and many other agencies under your ministry, delivering people-oriented services.
“This award of Defender of Democracy is not given to just anybody, but persons like you who have done so well in defending the democracy of Nigeria through your duty as Image Maker of Nigeria,” Hassan said.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a medal and plaque as an honour to the minister.
The ex-councillors in attendance came from Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Ogun, Katsina States, among others.
