President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to the unity and collective progress of Nigeria, emphasizing that “nobody is bigger than Nigeria, including myself as President.” The statement was made on Sunday when the President received a Sallah homage at the Presidential Villa in Abuja from a delegation of residents from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), led by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In his address, Tinubu reflected on the nature of power and leadership, stating that leadership is a temporary trust bestowed by Almighty Allah. He further emphasized that leaders must use their positions responsibly, with humility, and in service to the people.
“I am just a custodian of your trust. It is only Almighty Allah that gives power. He says, ‘If I give it to you, you must use it in the righteous way. You must be humane. You must follow my teachings,'” the President remarked, stressing that leadership is a sacred duty that must be exercised with respect and responsibility.
During the gathering, President Tinubu also reflected on the significance of the recently concluded Ramadan fasting period and the ongoing Lenten season, calling attention to values such as discipline, tolerance, and shared responsibility. He noted that these values are vital for building a prosperous and united nation.
“We started with prayers. We end with prayers. We committed ourselves with discipline and faithful supplication, learning the teachings of Allah. Such discipline instills understanding, sharing, and partaking in family values that bring us together as one family,” he said.
The President encouraged Nigerians to continue embracing the lessons learned during Ramadan and Lenten season, such as compassion and unity, which are necessary for advancing the nation’s progress. He also called on Nigerians to prioritize peace, harmony, and inclusivity, regardless of ethnic or religious differences, as they work together toward building a stronger Nigeria.
“We must continue to abide by the lessons of Ramadan. We must continue to share and remember the less privileged, the widows, and the have-nots, believing that we can share both in joy and in times of need. And we can believe that Nigeria is greater than any one of us – including myself as President,” he said.
In his speech, President Tinubu also took the opportunity to praise the leadership of Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, for his transformative efforts in improving the capital city. He highlighted Wike’s contributions to infrastructure development, civil service reforms, and urban renewal projects.
“I must thank the Honourable Minister of the FCT. When we started, he came up with a lot of good ideas to liberate the bureaucracy and bring forward-looking, progressive thinking to the administration,” Tinubu said.
The President specifically acknowledged Wike’s work in addressing longstanding issues related to property rights and revitalizing abandoned projects. Tinubu also praised the Minister for his efforts in improving essential public services such as healthcare and education in the FCT.
“The health centres are being rehabilitated. The health facilities of the residents of the FCT are being upgraded. Our teachers at school are being rehabilitated, and buildings are furnished. Thank you, Wike,” he said.
Tinubu’s praise for Wike’s leadership extended beyond his achievements in the FCT. The President emphasized the significance of Wike’s ability to work effectively in northern Nigeria, despite being from the southern part of the country. He described this as a reflection of Nigeria’s strength in diversity.
“Surprisingly, Nyesom Wike is not from the North. He’s from the southern part of Nigeria. And his ability to work in the centre of the northern part of Nigeria is bearing fruit. That is a very good reflection of our diversity that we must use for our prosperity,” Tinubu said.
Following the event, Minister Wike spoke with reporters, expressing his gratitude for the recognition from President Tinubu. When asked about the President’s reference to him as “Mr. Infrastructure,” Wike expressed happiness at the trust and confidence shown in him.
“I feel very happy that my boss has confidence in me. If your boss, in public, says that you are doing well, that is an encouragement for you to continue doing the job you’ve been assigned,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister also assured residents that his administration would continue to deliver on its transformative projects. He promised that the next phase of development in the FCT would be even more ambitious and impactful.
“The committee is working, and you can be assured it can’t be less than what we did last time,” Wike added.
In his address, President Tinubu made it clear that national unity must always take precedence over personal ambitions and individual interests. He urged Nigerians to set aside their differences and work together for the greater good of the country.
He emphasized that the strength of Nigeria lies in its diversity, urging citizens to embrace their shared identity as Nigerians, irrespective of regional, ethnic, or religious affiliations.
“Nigeria is greater than any one of us. We must continue to abide by the principles that bind us together as a people,” Tinubu said.
The President’s call for unity is particularly significant in the current political climate, where divisions among different regions and ethnic groups have sometimes led to tensions. Tinubu’s remarks reflect his desire to foster inclusivity and peace within the country, which he believes are essential to Nigeria’s future growth and prosperity.
Under Nyesom Wike’s leadership, the Federal Capital Territory has seen significant progress in various sectors, from infrastructure development to improvements in public services. The ongoing efforts to address housing, health, and education issues in the FCT have earned Wike praise both from the President and FCT residents. However, there are still many challenges to overcome, and Wike has promised that his administration will continue to push for more ambitious projects in the coming years.
The President’s endorsement of Wike’s efforts further strengthens the FCT Minister’s standing in the administration and reinforces the importance of his role in the country’s governance. With the next phase of development set to be even more transformative, residents of the FCT and Nigerians as a whole are hopeful for continued progress.
