President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday disclosed plans to transmit the 2024 Supplementary bill to the National Assembly.
Tinubu disclosed this at the National Assembly complex in Abuja while addressing the joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, in commemoration of the 25 years of unbroken democracy.
“We are walking the talk. I will soon bring the year 2024 appropriation bill N3.7trn budget allegation: Senate recalls Ningi from suspensionwhich is just for your information.
“But we must not risk this democracy, build this nation so that the future of our Great-Grandchildren will be sure of prosperity and progress.”
While acknowledging the overwhelming support enjoyed by both chambers over the last year, Mr. President showered encomium on the Federal lawmakers for strengthening the Institution, which he noted “represents our consciousness for freedom and sense of belonging.”
Tinubu who recalled his sojourn as a former Senator, observed that “Without this House, probably I may not find a path to the Presidency. I started all from here and that is why I am giving that respect, this response to you.
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“Please, continue to collaborate and work together to build our country. We have no other choice. It is our nation. No one, no other institution or personality will help us unless we do it ourselves.
“No amount of aid that may be coming from a foreign country or any other nation. They take care of themselves first.
“Let’s work together as we are doing to build our nation. Not only for us but generations yet unborn.”
Speaking earlier, the President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio disclosed that the National Assembly will be expecting the proposed 2024 Supplementary budget as announced by President Tinubu.
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Senator Akpabio who doubles as Chairman of the National Assembly, disclosed that President Tinubu has signed the bill which seeks to adopt the old National Anthem – ‘Arise O Compatriots’ into law.
“Of all the significant things you have done, if you take us back to our genealogy, that though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand, Nigerians all, and proud to serve our sovereign Motherland.
“Henceforth, we will not refer to ourselves as compatriots but brothers, so today we say Nigeria we hail thee.
“There is no better place to go back to our genealogy than the National Assembly where we have elected Representatives.
“We look forward to celebrating Democracy Day on June 12, whichever way you choose to celebrate with us we will take it.”
In his remarks, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas who applauded Tinubu for being very supportive over the last year, described him as “a true Democrat who has seen it all.
“A former Governor, a former Senator, the Leader of the party in all its precedence.”
He affirmed that the symbiotic relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government “has been a partnership that has been very beneficial to all of us.”
While pledging the 10th Assembly’s support for Tinubu’s administration, he said: “I want you to know that we in the National Assembly are very happy with your report card. With your performance so far.
“The National Assembly is very happy at the partnership that has existed in the last year between you and us here. It has a partnership that has been mutually beneficial to us here. It is a win-win.
“That is how democracy is supposed to be played. We want to thank you for finding time to come here. And to assure you as well that the National Assembly will always be supportive of your noble objective,” Hon. Abbas noted