President Bola Tinubu asserted on Friday that his presidency is not about personal enrichment but dedicated to serving Nigeria.
This statement follows his recent acquisition of multi-million dollar presidential jets, raising eyebrows about his administration’s priorities.
During a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly at the Aso Rock Villa, Tinubu emphasized his commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructure, energy security, education, and overall economic stability.
The Forum, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, included 15 other prominent figures, such as former senate presidents and speakers of the House of Representatives. In his address, Tinubu expressed gratitude for their support and urged them to continue fostering unity across party lines to achieve national development goals.
“I didn’t come to look for money or exploit the situation; I came to work,” Tinubu said. “I asked for the votes, and Nigerians entrusted me with them.”
He acknowledged the difficulties facing the nation but promised to tackle issues such as dilapidated schools, neglected communities, and declining infrastructure, while also calling for greater collaboration between the executive and legislative branches to secure prosperity for Nigeria.
Reflecting on the country’s past mismanagement during periods of high crude oil production, Tinubu said, “We neglected our communities, the goose that lays the golden eggs. We forgot to educate our children, leading to low school enrollment. We must ask ourselves if we did enough to encourage learning.”
Despite these challenges, the President reaffirmed his determination to improve the situation, focusing on infrastructure, financial regulation, and energy security. “We have come a long way, and I promise we must do our best,” he concluded.
Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Senator Nnamani acknowledged that Nigeria’s current struggles were not created by Tinubu’s administration. He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to resolve issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and infrastructural decay, praising his courageous efforts toward local government autonomy.
Nnamani pledged the Forum’s continued support, emphasizing their readiness to contribute to national development. “We are convinced that you will tackle these problems and restore Nigeria’s standing among nations,” he said.
