President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to confront those who seek to enslave Nigeria and its citizens.
During a visit from Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Assembly leaders, and former principal officers at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria would not be enslaved.
“The enslavers want us to be an enslaved people, but we say no,” President Tinubu declared. The statement was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a communiqué titled, “President Tinubu: We are determined to take Nigeria to the Promised Land, lauds National Assembly for support.”
This visit, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, marked the New Year’s homage, following which the Nigeria Governors Forum also visited the President.
Tinubu elaborated, “It is for us to build a nation. We have confidence and competence. The enslavers want us to be an enslaved people, but we say no. We are determined, we are capable, and we are resolute, and we will be there. We will take Nigeria to that Promised Land with you.”
He also expressed gratitude for the National Assembly’s continued support, stating, “Nigerians are the heart of everything we are doing. We have come to serve. You have made my day by coming on this visit. Happy New Year. May God bless you and our country and give our nation more prosperity.”
Highlighting his administration’s goals, the President remarked, “It is for our tomorrow. It is for the future generation. Your commitment will yield that fruit for the babies yet unborn.” He stressed the importance of value addition and a shared “can-do and must-do” spirit in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Acknowledging the encouragement from lawmakers, Tinubu vowed to work harder and embrace intellectual curiosity to make bold decisions for the nation’s advancement.
“We have a saying in Yoruba that it is only a courageous dog that will capture the animal in the bush,” he added.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also commented on the nation’s improving economy, attributing part of the positive shift to the strong partnership between the executive and legislature.
“The economy has started picking up, and in the coming weeks and months, Nigerians will start smiling for the better,” he said. Shettima expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, adding, “I believe we have turned the corner and, Insha Allah, we shall have a very robust economic activity in the new year. I believe Nigerians will prosper.”
Shettima also acknowledged the global challenges, citing the Russia-Ukraine war and other international factors impacting Nigeria, but assured citizens that economic growth was on the horizon. “By the grace of God, we have crossed the Rubicon and are on a path to sustained growth. We wish Nigerians well,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended President Tinubu for his determination and focus on reform, expressing full support from the National Assembly. “On this journey of restoration, transformation, and rebuilding the nation, you are not alone. The National Assembly is with you and will stand by you,” Akpabio affirmed.
He further praised the economic achievements under Tinubu’s leadership, citing successful ventures like the oversubscription of Nigeria’s Eurobond and improvements in ease of doing business. “Investors remain interested in Nigeria because of your leadership, and we will continue to smile as the benefits materialise,” Akpabio added.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s respect and support for the National Assembly, noting that key members of the administration were former National Assembly members. “The National Assembly should consider itself lucky, and to God be the glory, Mr. President, the National Assembly today is more united than ever. We need to thank you for that,” he said.
Abbas also acknowledged the positive changes in Nigerians’ lives towards the end of 2023, citing increased prosperity and access to food. He concluded, “We believe 2025 will be the ultimate year where every Nigerian will be proud of this administration.”
Attending the meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
