President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) has urged the members of the 10th National Assembly (NASS) to quickly get down to work because Nigerians truly deserve progressive good governance.
Tinubu on Tuesday said this in an official press release where he congratulated the new Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“I heartily congratulate them and also rejoice with the new Deputy Senate President, Jibril 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 a successful tenure in the 10th National Assembly.”
President Tinubu further urged them to sustain the same level of enthusiasm they brought to the leadership contest in the discharge of their duties to their constituents and Nigeria.
“My congratulations to all members of the National Assembly, across party lines, who, today, 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 the oath we took,” Tinubu stated.
He added that it is time to get on and move swiftly with the business of governance in the service of Nigeria.
Tinubu also said that as the President, he is prepared to transparently work with the National Assembly.
According to him, Nigerians expect distinguished Senators and Honourable members to make laws and carry out oversight duties that will enhance the performance of government to achieve successful outcomes including improving their quality of life.
He also said he knows that in the course of their work together, disagreements may occur but that when they disagree, it will not be out of malice, ill-will and the 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 fortune 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.
Tinubu further stated that they cannot afford to waste this opportunity because Nigerians want them 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 peace, stability and prosperity of Nigeria. I count on the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and all members to work and walk with me on this governmental journey,” the president stated.
On Tuesday, Akpabio of the All Progressive Congress (APC) emerged as the 10th President of the Senate after defeating Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
The former Akwa Ibom State governor and also former Senator Minority Leader polled 63 votes to defeat Yari who scored 46 votes.
The immediate past Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Barau of APC Kano North emerged as the Deputy Senate President unopposed.
Senator Dave Umahi nominated Barau as Deputy Senate President and read his citation after which the nominee accepted the nomination.
Abbas of the ruling party got the Speaker of the House of Representatives position.
Abbas, who polled 353 votes, emerged as Speaker after a roll call of members-elect, 359 out of 360 members that participated in the process of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
Member of the House of Representatives representing Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, Kalu, emerged as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 10th National Assembly
