It is time to work, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told presiding officers and members of the 10th National Assembly yesterday after their election and inauguration.
The executive, he said, will work harmoniously with the legislature under Senate President Godswill Akpabio and will resolve disagreements without malice.
He reminded the legislators that their constituents expect a lot from them, so they must not fail.
According to him, they cannot afford to waste the opportunity because Nigerians want them to make every day of the next four years count.
President Tinubu stated these in a personally-authored congratulatory message to Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abass and their deputies Jibril Barau and Benjamin Kalu
The President stated: “We have all been called upon and accepted the responsibility to diligently and faithfully serve our fatherland with the oath we took.
“It is time to get on and move swiftly with the business of governance in the service of Nigeria.
“As your President, I am prepared to transparently work with the National Assembly.
“Nigerians expect distinguished Senators and Honourable members to make laws and carry out oversight duties that will enhance the performance of government to achieve successful outcomes including improving their quality of life.
“In the course of our work together, disagreements may occur. When we disagree, it will not be out of malice, ill will and a quest to diminish the institution of the National Assembly or any individual member.
“Our people across the length and breadth of our country expect so much from us. They want us to lift their economic burden. They want us to eliminate insecurity so our farmers in rural communities can go to their farms and produce the food we eat.
“Our people look up to us to change the fortune of our country for good and remove all barriers that impede progress. All of these we can make happen with dedication and commitment.”
President Tinubu stressed that campaign promises can only be fulfilled by working together in harmony and in the country’s best interests.
He added: “Justifiably, our people want more from their government. They truly deserve progressive good governance that will improve their standards of living. We must give them our best.
“I will remain a partner in progress for peace, stability and prosperity of Nigeria.
“I count on the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and all members to work and walk with me on this governmental journey. Once again, I send my best wishes.”
The President commended the contenders who lost out, noting that their participation in the election process enriched it.
He urged them to deploy the same energy and enthusiasm in the service of their constituents.
“I wish Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Honourable member Idris Wase and Honourable Aminu Jaji who enriched the process with their participation in the leadership election the best and a successful tenure in the 10th National Assembly.
“I urge them to sustain the same level of enthusiasm they brought to the leadership contest in the discharge of their duties to their constituents and Nigeria.
“My congratulations to all members of the National Assembly, across party lines, who, today, enlisted into the service of the blessed people of our great country.”
The President congratulated the new leadership on “their well-deserved victories”.
“Being elected by their peers as presiding officers and assuming the leadership of the National Assembly is a great honour that comes with a huge responsibility. I trust that you will justify the confidence reposed in you by your members and many Nigerians,” the President added.
