20th September, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to making tangible progress in Nigeria’s development, focusing on infrastructure, food and energy security, education, and long-term economic stability.
Speaking during a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, the President emphasized that his goal in office is not personal enrichment but to serve the nation and deliver results.
“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,” President Tinubu, a former senator, remarked while engaging with his former parliamentary colleagues in a friendly exchange.
The meeting, held at the State House, was attended by 16 former presiding officers, including past senate presidents, speakers of the House of Representatives, and their deputies.
Tinubu expressed gratitude for the encouragement and support he received from the Forum members, regardless of party affiliations, and called on them to continue fostering unity for the sake of national progress.
Reflecting on the complexities of governance, legislative activities, and constitutional reforms, the President voiced his optimism about Nigeria’s future, emphasizing the need for collaboration and inclusivity.
“Regardless of party differences of the past and the difficulties of the present, you still believe in me and in 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 achieved success through collaboration, inclusiveness, and financial structure,” he said.
Addressing the country’s current challenges, President Tinubu questioned past decisions that neglected the oil-producing communities and failed to invest in critical areas like education.
“Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? What did we do when we had very high crude production? We neglected our communities; we neglected the goose that lays the golden eggs; we forgot even to give them a good standard of living. We forgot to educate our children.
“Go round and look at the dilapidated schools. The education environment must be decent enough for pupils to want to learn. We can complain from now till eternity that school enrolment is low. But did we do anything to encourage the enrolment process? We must ask ourselves because it is a matter of conscience,” the President lamented.
He outlined his administration’s focus on tackling these issues, pledging improvements in infrastructure, strict adherence to financial regulations, exploration of alternative energy sources, and a robust energy security strategy. “We have come a long way, and I promise we must do our best,” Tinubu assured.
He also urged the former presiding officers to continue sharing their experience in governance and nation-building, highlighting that they are in a unique position to provide clarity and perspective to the Nigerian public.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Senator Ken Nnamani expressed strong support for President Tinubu’s leadership and his administration’s efforts to address Nigeria’s critical challenges.
“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 the myriads of other national challenges,” Nnamani said.
He commended the President’s courageous handling of local government autonomy, which has earned him widespread admiration, and expressed confidence that Tinubu’s leadership will overcome Nigeria’s pressing problems.
“We are convinced that you will dig in deeper again to eradicate these problems and restore Nigeria’s pride of place among the comity of nations,” the former senate president added.
Nnamani also applauded Tinubu for entrusting key national positions to members of their group, recognizing their contribution to nation-building, and pledged the Forum’s support in achieving national security, economic recovery, and fostering unity across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
