President says improved road networks will boost security operations, insists no ransom was paid for the release of abducted Oyo pupils and teachers.
President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to prioritise the construction of road networks over flyovers in areas with low traffic, saying better roads would improve security operations and have a greater impact on the lives of citizens.
The President made the call on Thursday while receiving a delegation of Oyo traditional rulers, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
President Tinubu said increased federal allocations to states have removed the financial constraints previously faced by governors, stressing that they should channel available resources into projects that directly improve the quality of life.
“They are taking four to five times more money than in the past. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay and credit, and they should do more, instead of flyovers where there’s no numeric traffic to build road networks and arteries to enhance the quality of life and improve accessibility for security agencies,” the President said.
Speaking on the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, President Tinubu reiterated that the Federal Government did not negotiate with the kidnappers or pay any ransom.
He disclosed that the abductors demanded the release of detained members of their criminal gang in addition to money, but the government rejected the conditions.
“We refuse to negotiate for ransom. We are not going to negotiate with criminals. They committed murder, and we were ready to finish with them,” President Tinubu stated.
The President also blamed the worsening security situation in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic for increasing security challenges in Nigeria.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security through the establishment of state police and the expansion of military formations, saying the measures would improve response time and enhance efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.