Tinubu arrives n’assembly to tune of reintroduced national anthem

President Bola Tinubu has arrived at the national assembly for the joint sitting of the senate and house of representatives.

The president walked to the floor of the green chamber at exactly 12:28pm. 

The president was welcomed into the chamber to the tune of the old and now reintroduced national anthem.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio had disclosed that Tinubu signed the bill on the return of the old anthem into law on Wednesday morning.

Magaji Tambawal, national assembly clerk, had said on Tuesday that Tinubu will deliver an address on the “state of the nation” at the joint sitting.

He also said Femi Gbajabiamila, who served as speaker of the 9th house from 2019 to 2023, will deliver a paper on ‘Reflections on the House’; while David Mark, president of the 6th and 7th senate from 2007 to 2015, will speak on ‘Reflections on the Senate’.

Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, was also expected to deliver a paper on ‘Reflections on the Journey to Democracy’.

None of these happened.

TINUBU’S SPEECH

Tinubu said he honoured the invitation of the lawmakers because of the respect he has for the national assembly.

He added that the 2024 supplementary appropriation bill will soon be presented before parliament.

Tinubu also congratulated the legislature for 25 years of unbroken democracy.

“The legistaltive house — both sides — colleagues and friends, old and new, to every Nigerian, I say congratulations for 25 years of unbroken democracy,” Tinubu said.

“Out of respect, I have come to say thank you very much for building up to this state,
building the institution, building the country.

“You are the first and foremost leaders that speak for our people. And you have been in the forefront of this struggle.

“This institution, the hallowed chambers, represents our consciousness for freedom and sense of belonging.

“You rang out the latest national athem: ‘Nigeria we hail thee’.

“You see, this is our diversity. Representing all characters and how we blend together to be brothers and sisters. Without this house, probably I may not have found a path to the presidency. I started off from here.

“And that is why I have given that respect this morning to you. So, please continue to collaborate, work together, build our country.

“We have no other choice. It is our nation. No one, no aid, no other institution or other personality will help us. Except we do it ourselves.

“No amount of aid that may be coming from foreign countries or any other nation. They take care of themselves first.”

The president also told the lawmakers that he will soon be back with the supplementary budget.

“Let us work together as we are doing to build our nation. Not only for us but for generations yet unborn,” Tinubu added.

“Charting a new path, the question of programme for development. I submitted the last budget to you, you expeditiously passed it.

“We are walking the talk. I will soon bring year 2024 supplementary appropriation bill… that is just for your information.

“But we must not risk this democracy built by this nation so that the future of our great grand children will be guaranteed prosperity, development and progress.”