The leadership of the House of Representatives joined President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday for Iftar, reaffirming their support for his administration and pledging N705 million, half of their salaries, to humanitarian efforts.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the invitation and his continued respect for the House.
He emphasized the importance of reflection during Ramadan, urging Nigerians to assess the country’s progress and future direction.
“As we all know, the month of Ramadan entails many things, one of them is reflection; where were you before, where are you now, and where do you want to be? I believe Nigeria, more than ever before, needs this type of reflection,” Abbas stated.
Encouraging both Christians and Muslims to use the period for prayer, the Speaker called for supplications for the economy, security, leadership, and the well-being of the citizens.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who also attended the gathering, urged National Assembly leaders to uphold the essence of leadership by prioritizing unity and national progress over political affiliations.
In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima stressed the need for lawmakers to lead with humility and collective responsibility.
“This sacred month of reflection and renewal reminds us to choose stability over strife, collaboration over conflict, and dialogue over discord. In the end, history will not judge us by the number of personal battles we fought against one another, but by the bridges we were able to build together. We are gathered here this evening not as adversaries in a contest for power, but as partners in the noble task of nation-building,” he remarked.
The Vice President noted that Ramadan, coinciding with the Lenten season, provides a unique opportunity for deep introspection and a renewed commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
“What binds us as a nation is far greater than what divides us,” he added.
Shettima commended President Tinubu for his leadership style, describing him as a visionary leader who values inclusivity.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have not just a leader you can trust, but a leader who trusts you. He sees you as stewards of our democracy, as voices of the people, and as partners in our shared aspiration to build a better Nigeria,” Shettima said.
He reassured Nigerians that the government’s economic policies were producing positive results, stating, “The economy has turned the corner. We are now on the path to sustained economic growth, and with perseverance, we will create a Nigeria where every citizen can thrive.”
Praising Speaker Abbas and the House leadership for maintaining harmony within the legislature, the Vice President highlighted the interconnection between peace and development.
“There can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. The unity within the House is a testament to our collective resolve to move Nigeria forward,” he stated.
Shettima urged the leaders to govern with fairness, justice, and empathy, reminding them of the weight of their responsibilities.
“Leadership is not about personal gain; it is about service. It is a burden vested in us by God, tested by history, and measured by the impact we leave behind,” he concluded.
