Faced with complaints of harsh economic environment, especially high food prices in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that his administration is focused on delivering tangible results and making a positive difference in the nation’s infrastructure, food and energy security, education and long-term economic stability.
Addressing members of the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, who called on Him on Friday in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasised that he was not in office for personal gain, but to serve the country.
”I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me,” the President, who was a former senator, told his guests.
The Nigerian President acknowledged the support and encouragement from the Forum members, irrespective of party affiliations, and implored them to continue fostering unity and camaraderie to achieve national development goals.
Reflecting on the complex nature of legislative activities, constitutional reviews, and nation-building processes, Tinubu expressed confidence that Nigeria can progress through collaboration and inclusiveness.
”Regardless of party differences of the past and difficulty of the present, you still believe in me and what we all plan for this country.
”I thank you very much; no one will do it better than us. I have travelled the world and seen how developed countries have done it for themselves through collaboration, inclusiveness and financial structure.
”Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? What did we do when we had very high crude production?”
He outlined his administration’s focus on addressing these challenges, including improving infrastructure, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, exploring alternative energy sources and providing energy security.
”We have come a long way, and I promise we must do our best,” he said.
He urged the former presiding officers to continue sharing their wealth of experience in nation-building and governance, noting that they were uniquely positioned to provide “clear interpretations of where we are” to Nigerians.
In his remarks, Senator Nnamani, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, expressed full support for President Tinubu’s administration and its efforts to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
He noted that the meeting was the president’s first official engagement with the group since his assumption of office and congratulated the President.
”Mr President, history has never been the burden of one man alone, but some are called to meet a special share of its challenges.
”Though not of your creation, it has fallen onto you to end the pervasive insecurity across the nation, the economic downturn that has resulted in hunger and anger, infrastructural decay due to years of neglect and myriads of other national challenges.
”As difficult as these problems are, we believe that with your experience, you can face the difficulties and surmount them.
”What gives us more hope is the courage with which you handled the issue of Local government autonomy, which has won you open admiration from friends and foes alike.
”We are convinced that you will dig in deeper again to eradicate these problems and restore Nigerians pride of place among the comity of nations,” the statement by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President
Tinubu on Information & Strategy, quoted Senator Nnamani as saying.
He pledged the support of his members as the President Tinubu works to restore national security, builds an economy that works for all and strengthens the bond of unity amongst our disparate peoples,
The meeting was attended by 16 former presiding officers, including former senate presidents, former speakers of the House of Representatives, former deputy senate presidents, and former deputy speakers of the House of Representatives.
GIK/APA