PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his government is committed to delivering tangible outcomes and making a meaningful impact on the nation’s infrastructure, food and energy security, education, and long-term economic stability.
During a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, the President stressed that he is not in office for personal gain but to serve the country.
“I didn’t come to seek money or exploit the situation; I came to work. I requested your votes, and Nigerians granted them to me,” the President was quoted as saying to the former lawmakers in a statement issued by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga reported that the meeting included 16 former presiding officers, such as former senate presidents, former speakers of the House of Representatives, former deputy senate presidents, and former deputy speakers of the House of Representatives.
The President recognized the support and encouragement he has received from the Forum’s members, regardless of party affiliations, and urged them to continue promoting unity and collaboration to achieve national development objectives.
Reflecting on the complexities of legislative activities, constitutional amendments, and nation-building, he expressed confidence that Nigeria can advance through teamwork and inclusiveness.
“Despite past party differences and the challenges we face today, you still believe in me and our collective vision for this country.
“I appreciate your support; no one can do this better than us. I have traveled extensively and observed how developed nations have succeeded through collaboration, inclusivity, and sound financial practices.
“While we face hardships, we must ask ourselves how we arrived at this point. What actions did we take when we had high crude production?
“We overlooked our communities and neglected the very foundations of our economy; we failed to provide them with a decent standard of living.
“We also neglected the education of our children. Visit our schools and see the dilapidated conditions. The educational environment must be sufficient to motivate students to learn.
“We can lament low school enrollment forever, but did we take any steps to promote the enrollment process? We have to reflect on this, as it is a matter of conscience,” he stated.
The President highlighted his administration’s commitment to tackling these challenges, including enhancing infrastructure, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, exploring alternative energy sources, and securing energy stability.
“We have come a long way, and I promise that we will do our utmost,” he said.
He encouraged the former presiding officers to continue sharing their wealth of experience in nation-building and governance, emphasizing their unique capacity to offer “clear insights into our current situation” to the public.
Senator Nnamani, speaking on behalf of the delegation, expressed full support for President Tinubu’s administration and its initiatives to address Nigeria’s urgent issues.
He noted that this meeting marked the President’s first official engagement with the group since taking office and extended congratulations to the President.
“Mr. President, history is not the burden of one individual alone, but some are called to shoulder a significant portion of its challenges.
“Though these issues were not of your own making, it is now your responsibility to tackle the widespread insecurity plaguing the nation, the economic downturn causing hunger and frustration, the infrastructural decay due to years of neglect, and various other national challenges.
“Despite the difficulties of these problems, we believe that your experience will enable you to confront and overcome them.
“What gives us hope is the courage you demonstrated in addressing the issue of local government autonomy, which has earned you admiration from both allies and opponents.
“We are confident that you will persist in your efforts to resolve these issues and restore Nigeria’s pride among the nations of the world,” the former senate president remarked.
He added that the group has witnessed the effects of elite complacency on nations and has resolved to unite across all divides to provide support for nation-building and ensure lasting prosperity for all citizens.
“It is in this spirit and with national interests in mind that we pledge our support as you work to restore national security, construct an inclusive economy, and strengthen the unity among our diverse citizens,” he stated.
Nnamani also commended the President for his trust in appointing some of their members to critical national roles, acknowledging their essential contributions to nation-building.