I Didn’t Come to Look for Money, I Came to Work -- Tinubu

In a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly on Friday, President Bola Tinubu reiterated his commitment to serving Nigeria and addressing the nation’s pressing challenges. 

The forum, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, included 16 former leaders from both chambers of the legislature.

“I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me," President Tinubu stated, according to a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President emphasised that his administration is focused on enhancing infrastructure, food security, education, and energy stability.

He acknowledged the support from former presiding officers across party lines and urged them to foster unity for national development. "Regardless of party differences of the past and difficulty of the present, you still believe in me and what we all plan for this country. 

“I thank you very much; no one will do it better than us. I have travelled the world and seen how developed countries have done it for themselves through collaboration, inclusiveness and financial structure. 

 “Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? What did we do when we had very high crude production?

“We neglected our communities; we neglected the goose that lays the golden eggs; we forgot even to give them a good standard of living. 

“We forgot to educate our children. Go round and look at the dilapidated schools. The education environment must be decent enough for pupils to want to learn. 

“We can complain from now till eternity that the school enrolment is low. But did we do anything to encourage the enrolment process? We must ask ourselves because it is a matter of conscience,” he said.

Tinubu concluded by urging former leaders to share their expertise in governance as part of a collective effort to restore Nigeria's pride on the global stage.

Nnamani expressed full support for Tinubu's administration, recognising the significant challenges ahead. 

“Mr President, history has never been the burden of one man alone, but some are called to meet a special share of its challenges. 

“Though not of your creation, it has fallen onto you to end the pervasive insecurity across the nation, the economic downturn that has resulted in hunger and anger, infrastructural decay due to years of neglect and myriads of other national challenges. 

“As difficult as these problems are, we believe that with your experience, you can face the difficulties and surmount them. 

“What gives us more hope is the courage with which you handled the issue of Local government autonomy, which has won you open admiration from friends and foes alike. 

“We are convinced that you will dig in deeper again to eradicate these problems and restore Nigerians pride of place among the comity of nations,” the former senate president said. 

Nnamani added that the group has seen what elite complacency has caused nations and has resolved to unite across all divides to render whatever assistance it may be called upon to contribute to nation-building and ensuring enduring prosperity for our citizens. 

“It is in this light and in the national interest that we wish to pledge our support as you work to restore national security, build an economy that works for all and strengthen the bond of unity amongst our disparate peoples,” he said. 

Nnamani also commended the President for his trust in appointing some of their members to critical national positions, recognising their vital role in nation-building.