At the ceremony of flagging off the old national anthem before a joint session of the National Assembly (NASS), on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu told the lawmakers that he would soon transmit the 2024 supplementary Appropriation Bill to the NASS.
Tinubu said the need for the supplementary appropriation bill was to enable his administration to continue providing good governance to Nigerians.
He disclosed this shortly after flagging off the old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,’ at NASS in Abuja.
The President was accompanied on the visit to the National Assembly Complex by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, and his son, Seyi Tinubu, among other dignitaries.
Expressing his readiness to deliver on his mandate, Tinubu reminded the lawmakers that the task of nation-building is a collective one involving all citizens, adding that as representatives of the people, they carry a huge burden of responsibility.
He said, “Charting a new path is a question of programme for development. I submitted the 2024 budget to you and you expeditiously passed it. We are walking the talk. I will soon bring the 2024 supplementary Appropriation Bill. Building this nation so that the future of our grandchildren will be filled with prosperity, development and progress is a step in the right direction.”
He also urged the lawmakers to look inward and contribute their quota to nation-building, noting that no foreign aid can give Nigerians the country they can be proud of.
He explained, “Our friends, old and new, to every Nigerian, I say congratulations for 25 years of unbroken democracy. Out of respect, I want to say thank you very much for bringing us to this stage. For building the institution, for building this country.
“You are first and foremost leaders that speak for our people. And you have been at the forefront of this institution. The hallowed chambers represent our consciousness of freedom and sense of belonging.
“You see, this is our diversity representing all parts and how we blend to be brothers and sisters. Without this House, probably I may not have found the path to the presidency. I started from here. And that is why I am giving my respect this morning to you, to please continue to collaborate, work together, and build our country.
“Nobody, no aid, no other institution or personality will help us unless we do it ourselves. No number of aid coming from foreign countries or any other nation can do it. They (foreign nations) take care of themselves first. Let us work together to build our nation, not only for us but for generations yet unborn,” he added.