President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged his commitment to work transparently with the National Assembly, which elected the leaders of its 10th session earlier today.
Senator Godswill Akpabio is the new Senate President, while Senator Jibrin Barau was elected unopposed as his deputy. In the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas emerged overwhelmingly through a voice vote as Speaker, while Hon. Benjamin Kalu was elected unopposed as deputy.
President Tinubu told the Assembly leaders and other that leadership comes with a huge responsibility.
The statement, which the President personally signed, reads: “The election of Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, and Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas as the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 10th National Assembly is a good development.
“I heartily congratulate them and also rejoice with the new Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for 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.
“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 most successful tenure in the 10th National Assembly.
“I urge them to sustain the same enthusiasm they brought to the leadership contest in discharging their duties to their constituents and Nigeria.
“My congratulations to all members of the National Assembly, across party lines, who enlisted into the service of the blessed people of our great country.
“We have all been called upon and accepted the responsibility to diligently and faithfully serve our fatherland with our oath. It is time to get on and move swiftly with the governance business in Nigeria’s service.
“As your President, I am prepared to work transparently with the National Assembly. Nigerians expect distinguished senators and honourable members to make laws and carry out oversight duties that will enhance the government’s performance 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 fortunes of our country for good and remove all barriers that impede progress. All of these we can make happen with dedication and commitment. We can only achieve all the good things we promised during our campaigns when we work together in harmony but with respect for our respective prerogatives, and in the best interest of our country.
“We cannot afford to waste this opportunity because Nigerians want us to make every day of the next four years count. 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 Nigeria’s peace, stability, and prosperity. 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”.
