Tinubu tells governors to ignore critics and let the 24 km Eastern Bypass & new Agro Centre prove that tangible results, not words, define leadership.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emphatic visit to Katsina State on 2 May 2025, according to a State House statement on Friday, underscored his administration’s fierce commitment to tangible governance, as he urged Nigeria’s governors to “ignore armchair critics” and let their developmental strides speak volumes.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), declared that the commissioning of the 24 km Eastern Bypass and the new Katsina Agricultural Mechanisation Centre exemplify President Tinubu’s focus on infrastructure and food security. Amid persistent terrorism and banditry, Tinubu pledged federal backing to enhance peace and stability in Katsina.
He also announced plans to revitalise the Bank of Agriculture to finance farming across all scales, signalling a strategic pivot from oil to agrarian prosperity. Let’s examine the context, key highlights, and political implications of Tinubu’s directive.
Katsina State has grappled with terror and banditry attacks for years, with kidnappings and violence disrupting rural communities and instilling fear among farmers. President Tinubu recognised these security headwinds, commending Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s “determination and courage” in steering the state forward despite threats to stability.
As part of his two-day tour, Tinubu inaugurated the Eastern Bypass, a 24 km dual carriageway linking Dutsin-ma, Kano, Daura Roads, and terminating at Yandaki in Kaita LGA, completed within 18 months under Governor Radda’s stewardship. He also opened the Katsina Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, poised to serve all 34 local councils with modern farming equipment.
In a direct appeal to subnational leaders, Tinubu emphasised that “armchair critics” offer no solutions and divert attention from governance, urging governors to maintain focus on delivering measurable outcomes for citizens. He insisted, “Your hard work and concrete achievements will answer any criticism. Ignore distractions—your results will speak for you”.
Tinubu reiterated that true leadership is gauged by the positive, visible impact on people’s lives. He charged governors to centre their programmes on the welfare of the populace, aligning with his broader “people-first” policy thrust.
Describing hunger and poverty as Nigeria’s greatest threats to peace, Tinubu declared agriculture the “heart of our progress” and pledged to encourage small and large-scale farming. He announced plans to revitalise the Bank of Agriculture, ensuring accessible funding for agribusiness, mechanisation, and water management initiatives.
To bolster state governments facing security and developmental challenges, Tinubu promised unwavering federal support: “You will not walk alone. The federal government will be with you”.
Tinubu’s admonition to governors to let results speak reflects a shift towards performance-based governance, designed to counter accusations of inaction that have shadowed his presidency amid economic headwinds and security lapses. By spotlighting tangible projects, his administration seeks to consolidate political capital and showcase federal-state synergy.
Katsina, Tinubu’s home state and former President Buhari’s birthplace, holds symbolic weight. The successful delivery of infrastructure and agricultural projects here not only cements his legacy in the North but also aims to mend perceptions of neglect among northern constituencies.
By publicly highlighting Governor Radda’s achievements in agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, Tinubu sets a benchmark for other state executives, implicitly challenging laggards to emulate Katsina’s model. This performance yardstick could intensify intra-party rivalry as the 2027 elections loom.
- Report by Peter Jene
