President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to lawmakers and Nigerians in general to have unity of purpose and build the nation to greater heights, News About Nigeria reports.
He made this call while speaking at a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday.
He congratulated Nigerians for 25 years of unbroken democratic rule, stating that his government has done well in the past year and is walking the talk.
The President, while formally flagging off the recitation of the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” also assured that his address would be on June 12, which is Democracy Day.
Recall that he had signed into law the bill dropping the current national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” passed on Tuesday by the Senate and last week by the House of Representatives.
“Thank you for building up to this stage, building the institution, and building the country. You are the first and foremost leaders who speak for our people and have been at the forefront of this struggle.
“This institution, the hallowed chamber, represents our consciousness for freedom and sense of belonging. You rang out the latest national anthem: ‘Nigeria, we hail thee.’ This is our diversity, representing all characters and how we blend together to be brothers and sisters.
“It is our nation; no one, no aid, no other institution or personality will help us except we do it ourselves. No amount of aid that will come in from foreign countries or any other nation will solve our problems; they take care of themselves first,” he stated.
He, however, warned against risking the nation’s democracy and maintained that Nigerians must continue to collaborate, work together, and build the country, adding that there is no other country that can be called home.
“Let us work together as we are doing to build our nation, not only for us but for generations yet unborn,” he added.
