Mohammed Shosanya
President Bola Tinubu has emphasized that foreign aid and assistance cannot build Nigeria for present and future generations.
He spoke on Wednesday, following the reintroduction of the old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” at a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
He urged the lawmakers to continue dedicating themselves to the service of their fatherland.
Expressing his readiness to fulfill his mandate, Tinubu reminded the lawmakers that nation-building is a collective effort involving all citizens.
He emphasized that,as representatives of the people, they bear a significant responsibility.
He added:”No one else, no aid, no institution, no individual will help us unless we take action ourselves. No amount of foreign assistance can achieve what we need. Other nations prioritize their own interests first. Let us unite and work together to build our nation, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.”
He hinted that he would soon transmit the 2024 supplementary budget to the National Assembly for their input.
According to him, “Charting a new path requires a clear development program. I submitted the 2024 budget, which you promptly approved. We are turning our words into action. Soon, I will present the 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill. Building this nation to ensure a future of prosperity, development, and progress for our grandchildren is the right step forward.”
The President attributed his victory in the 2023 election to his stint in parliament in the botched Third Republic.
Mr Tinubu was elected into the Senate to represent Lagos Central District on the platform of the Social Democratic Party.
He said, “Without this house (parliament), probably, I may not have found the path to the Presidency. It started all here. Please, continue to collaborate and work together. We have no other choice. It is our nation.
“Remember that in building the institution, building the country, you are the first and foremost leaders that will speak for our people and you have been in the forefront of this struggle. This institution, the hallowed chamber represents our consciousness of freedom and sense of belonging”.
Speaking earlier, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio explained the President’s visit.
He said, “It is important I explain the importance of this visit. This is what we call in Nollywood ‘waka pass.’ You (Tinubu) intend to celebrate democracy day which is on June 12. But out of your respect for the National Assembly, you said you must pass through the National Assembly on your first anniversary in office.
“Among the significant contributions you have made, one of the most important is reconnecting us with our roots—our genealogy. Despite belonging to different tribes and speaking different tongues, we must stand united in brotherhood. Whether on the battlefield or in politics, our allegiance is to Nigeria. The best place to initiate this revolution is in the National Assembly, where the elected representatives of the people convene.”