President Bola Tinubu is seeking for deeper collaboration between the executive and legislature in Nigeria, saying the two arms of government must work towards aligning their purpose and unshakable resolve to build a Nigeria that works for all the citizens.
The President stated this in Abuja on Friday night, during a dinner with members of the National Assembly, organized by the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that “this explains why the relationship between the two arms of government under the current administration had “been a harmony rooted in leadership, foresight, and collective resolve.”
He said; “the nation is currently enjoying the best working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government since the return of democracy in 1999.”
The President however, called for a deeper collaboration between the two arms of government, stating that “the true essence of democracy manifests not only in respecting the Legislature, but in appreciating the indispensable role each arm plays in the architecture of governance.”
President Tinubu said; “It shines most brightly where there is alignment of purpose, where the Executive and Legislature, despite their distinct constitutional mandates, are united by an unshakable resolve to build a nation that works for all.
“The entire architecture of the Presidency today is anchored by proud alumni of the National Assembly. President Tinubu; Vice President Shettima; the First Lady; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, are alumni of the federal legislature, they are all flying the alumni flag as former members of the National Assembly at the executive arm of government without apology and without hesitation.”
He said the understanding that this brings is helping the nation’s democracy to thrive.
“Democracy does not flourish in the chaos of discord. It thrives where there is understanding. It survives where there is familiarity with what each arm is designed to achieve. It blossoms where each recognises the intersection between power and responsibility—between authority and accountability,” the President maintained.
He noted that, because his wife deeply understands this, “she has demonstrated not only that she is a proud alumna of the National Assembly, but also that she remains committed to protecting your interests, nurturing your dignity, and enhancing your institutional relevance.”
“This occasion, in every sense, reaffirms that commitment. You are not taken for granted. You have never been taken for granted. And you will never be taken for granted,” he observed.
Insecurity
Acknowledging however that the journey is still far from over, the President said; “the current threats to the nation’s national security were potent enough to unite the two arms of government, even as he implored the lawmakers and members of the executive to rely on the wisdom of their predecessors.”
“None of us is immune to the devastations of the crises we inherited. Our promise to deliver a safer nation is a solemn covenant with the Nigerian people. And to fulfill it, we must continue to work hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart.
“Now is the time for each of us to summon the wisdom of our forebears who taught us that nations are not built by the comfort of consensus alone, but by courage, sacrifice, and shared responsibility.
“So, let this dinner be more than a social event; let it be a testament to our collective resolve to steer Nigeria toward a horizon where peace is stable, prosperity is shared, and our democracy becomes the pride of future generations,” he stated.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said while insecurity was not peculiar to Nigeria, the right measures are being taken to tackle the menace.
He assured that the National Assembly is determined and united in supporting the President in addressing security challenges across the country.
“All Nigerians are fighting extremism and we in the National Assembly are united behind this administration in fighting insecurity,” the Senate President added.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, thanked the First Lady for her consistent contributions to national development through various empowerment programmes for women.
Abbas also advocated for more representation for women, especially the ones that involve drawing up policies that would help tackle insecurity.
He said; “if the current bill on women participation is passed, Nigeria will take a major step towards inclusion and justice for all.”
Also, Chairman of the All Progressives Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, solicited more support for women participation in governance, describing them as managers of the homes who would do well in key positions of government.
The Governor who spoke on behalf of Governors of the 36 states of the federation, called for more seats for women at all levels of government.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who hosted the dinner, described the event as a good reunion with her former colleagues in the National Assembly.
She called for sustained provision of education for all Nigerian children in order to enable them thrive.
The nation’s First Lady also called for the passage of the bill currently before the lawmakers seeking more opportunities for women participation in the National Assembly and other leadership positions in the country, just as she charged the 10th National Assembly to stand for women and children at all times.
Mercy Chukwudiebere