President Bola Tinubu on Friday said he is not in office for personal gain but to serve the country.
He argued that his administration is focused on delivering tangible results and making a positive difference in the nation’s infrastructure, food and energy security, education and long-term economic stability.
“I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me,” said Tinubu at 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.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed details of Friday’s talks in a statement titled, ‘I didn’t come to look for money, I came to work’, President Tinubu tells forum of former NASS presiding officers.’
Sixteen former presiding officers attended the meeting. They include: former senate presidents, former speakers of the House of Representatives, former deputy senate presidents, and former deputy speakers of the House of Representatives.
The President acknowledged the support and encouragement from the Forum members, irrespective of party affiliations, imploring them to continue fostering unity and camaraderie to achieve national development goals.
He highlighted the complex nature of legislative activities, constitutional reviews, and nation-building processes, expressing confidence that Nigeria can progress through collaboration and inclusiveness.
“Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? What did we do when we had very high crude production? We neglected our communities; we neglected the goose that lay the golden eggs; we forgot even to give them a good standard of living.
“We forgot to educate our children. Go around and look at the dilapidated schools. The education environment must be decent enough for pupils to want to learn. We can complain from now till eternity that the school enrolment is low. But did we do anything to encourage the enrolment process? We must ask ourselves because it is a matter of conscience,” he said.
The President outlined his administration’s focus on addressing these challenges, including improving infrastructure, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, exploring alternative energy sources and providing energy security.
Senator Nnamani, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, expressed full support for President Tinubu’s administration and its efforts to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
