President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked his first year in office with a speech before a joint sitting of the National Assembly, where he outlined plans to send a supplementary budget “soon.”
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser Information and Strategy to the president, Tinubu commended the collaboration between the executive and the legislature, particularly citing the expedited passage of the 2024 Budget.
“President Tinubu praised the assembly for its collaboration with his government, citing the Budget 2024, which was passed expeditiously.
He said there is no other choice than this collaboration between the executive and legislature.
He said that no one else, not even foreigners will support the development of our nation,” the statement noted.
A highlight of Tinubu’s address was the announcement of reverting to Nigeria’s first post-independence national anthem, ‘Nigeria we hail thee, our dear native land.
Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’ The anthem was played as Tinubu entered the Assembly and again at the end of proceedings.
“He said he started his politics in this same hallowed chamber as a senator in 1992.
Without this path, he said, he may not have become president of Nigeria,” Onanuga stated.
Dignitaries present at the event included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former House Speakers Femi Gbajabiamila and Patricia Etteh, as well as ministers Atiku Bagudu and Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo.
