President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed on Friday that his role in office is to serve the nation, not for personal gain. He emphasized that his administration is committed to achieving tangible results in areas like infrastructure development, food and energy security, education, and long-term economic stability.
“I didn’t come here to exploit the situation or seek financial gain. I came to work for the people. I asked for votes, and Nigerians entrusted me with them,” Tinubu said during a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared details of the meeting in a statement titled, ‘I didn’t come to look for money, I came to work,’ recounting Tinubu’s remarks to the former National Assembly leaders.
The meeting saw the attendance of 16 former presiding officers, including former Senate Presidents, Speakers of the House of Representatives, and their deputies. The President expressed gratitude for their support and urged them to continue promoting unity and collaboration for national development.
He acknowledged the complexity of legislative processes, constitutional reforms, and nation-building, expressing confidence that progress can be made through cooperation and inclusivity. Tinubu also highlighted past failures, such as neglecting oil-producing communities, the deterioration of educational facilities, and a lack of focus on improving living standards.
“Despite the hardship, we must ask ourselves how we got here. During times of high crude oil production, we failed to invest in our communities or provide quality education for our children,” Tinubu said. He stressed the need for improved infrastructure, energy security, and compliance with financial regulations, pledging to do his best for the country.
Senator Nnamani, speaking on behalf of the delegation, offered the group’s full support for Tinubu’s administration, commending his leadership and efforts to tackle Nigeria’s challenges. He acknowledged that while the problems are not of Tinubu’s making, they have fallen on him to resolve, including insecurity, economic struggles, and infrastructural decay.
Nnamani expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to address these issues, particularly praising his handling of local government autonomy. He pledged the group’s continued support, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in nation-building.
He also thanked the President for entrusting several members of their group with key national roles, recognizing their significance in the country’s progress.`