Tinubu inaugurates National Assembly library, calls for collective action on unity

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On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre in Abuja, which has been named in his honour.

Before the inauguration, the President attended a commemorative session of the National Assembly, where he delivered impromptu remarks.

Earlier in the day, President Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill, 2024, into law at the Presidential Villa. He stated that his visit to the National Assembly was a gesture of respect and an opportunity to congratulate the legislators and Nigerians on the 25th anniversary of the nation’s unbroken democracy.

He expressed his gratitude to the lawmakers and acknowledged their efforts and sacrifices in building and sustaining the country’s democratic institutions.

“To every Nigerian, I say congratulations on 25 years of unbroken democracy. Out of respect, I have come to say thank you for building this institution to this level. You are the foremost leaders who speak for our people and have been at the forefront of this struggle,” Tinubu said.

Emphasising the importance of the National Assembly, President Tinubu referred to it as a “hallowed chamber” that represents the nation’s consciousness for freedom and solidarity.

“You sang out the latest national anthem, ‘Nigeria we hail thee.’ This anthem reflects our diversity and our pledge to be brothers and sisters.

“Without this House, I might not have found a path to the presidency. I started my journey here. That’s why I have come to show my respect and to pledge continued collaboration to build our country. We have no other choice. No other institution or personality will help us unless we do it ourselves.

“No amount of aid from foreign countries can help us. Let us work together to build our nation and chart a new path,” the President stated.

President Tinubu also stressed the importance of preserving and strengthening democracy for future generations.

“We must nurture our democracy so that our children and grandchildren can be assured of prosperity, progress, and development,” the President said.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that the President’s visit demonstrated respect for the National Assembly.

“Before you arrived, Mr. President, the Speaker and I explained to the lawmakers that this visit is what is called ‘waka pass’ in Nollywood.

“You plan to celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, but out of honor and respect for the National Assembly, you chose to pass through here on your first anniversary,” the Senate President said.

Regarding Nigeria’s return to the old national anthem, Akpabio praised the President for reconnecting the nation with its roots, stating: “Though we may belong to different tribes, though we have different tongues, in brotherhood we stand.”

“There is no more fitting place to reconnect with our origins than the National Assembly, which is composed of patriotic and elected citizens of Nigeria. The voice of the National Assembly is the voice of Nigeria, so we welcome you,” the Senate President added.