Tinubu will never take parliament for granted, says Shettima
By Kunle Sanni –
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has assured that President Bola Tinubu holds the National Assembly in high regard and will never take parliament for granted, as he called for deeper co-operation between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Speaking at a dinner organised by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for members of the National Assembly at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, Shettima said the current administration has enjoyed the “best working relationship” between both arms of government since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
The vice president listed President Tinubu; the First Lady; Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume; and himself as former members of the National Assembly now serving in the executive, saying their legislative background strengthens mutual understanding between both institutions.
While acknowledging that economic and security challenges remain, Shettima urged both arms of government to remain united and guided by the wisdom of past leaders. “None of us is immune to the devastations of the crises we inherited,” he said. “To fulfil our promise of a safer nation, we must work hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder.”
Earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said insecurity remains a global challenge and assured that the National Assembly is fully behind the administration in the fight against extremism.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas praised the First Lady for her empowerment initiatives and called for greater representation of women in governance, especially in policymaking roles tied to national security.
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum Hope Uzodimma also urged increased support for women in leadership, saying they excel as managers of homes and would bring valuable qualities to public administration.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu described the dinner as a reunion with her former colleagues and reiterated her advocacy for quality education for Nigerian children. She also appealed for the passage of the bill seeking expanded opportunities for women in the National Assembly and other leadership positions.
