President Bola Tinubu reassured the National Assembly’s leadership that they need not worry about allegations of padding the 2024 budget, emphasizing that their integrity remains intact.
He also pledged that those responsible for the killing of soldiers in Delta State would face justice, emphasizing that his administration would not tolerate attacks on military personnel and security infrastructure.
President Tinubu made these remarks during a dinner to break the Ramadan fast with the Senate leadership at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
In a statement released on Friday morning by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu emphasized the importance of cooperation for national advancement.
Tinubu was quoted as saying, “I understand the budget arithmetic and the figures I presented to the National Assembly. I appreciate your swift handling of the budget. Thank you very much.”
He continued, “Those making claims of malicious embellishment in the budget misunderstand the arithmetic and fail to refer to the baseline I presented. However, your integrity remains intact.”
“I am grateful for your efforts. The challenges we face will soon be overcome. We are on the brink of overcoming the current economic difficulties. Our revenue has improved. We just need to control spending and manage ourselves better. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and Nigerians will soon see better days,” he affirmed.
Regarding the heinous murders of officers and soldiers in Okuoma, Delta State, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for the military in neutralizing security threats nationwide.
“Our armed forces are working diligently, and we will not allow attackers to undermine their integrity and value. We will continue to support and defend our sovereignty and individual rights to exist, and we will succeed in eradicating poverty from our land,” the President declared.
Tinubu thanked the National Assembly members for promptly addressing the Student Loan Amendment Bill and urged greater tolerance, forgiveness, and charity during Ramadan.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked the President for hosting the lawmakers, emphasizing that regular interactions would foster understanding and effective governance.
“We convey greetings from the 10th Senate and assure you of continued collaboration. With both the President and Vice President hailing from the National Assembly, along with the Chief of Staff as our member, we are compelled to work together and support this administration’s success,” the Senate President stated.
