HOUSE OF REPS DONATES ₦705 MILLION TO SUPPORT HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has announced a ₦705 million donation on behalf of the 360 lawmakers in the House to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s humanitarian efforts and assist vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking on Monday night during an Iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) hosted by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Abbas revealed that the donation was sourced from a six-month, 50% salary deduction from House members.
He expressed gratitude to the President for his continuous engagement with the House of Representatives, noting that the Ramadan period is a time for deep reflection.
“As we all know, Ramadan is a time for reflection—where were you before, where are you now, and where do you want to be? More than ever, Nigeria needs this kind of reflection,” Abbas said.
He urged both Christians and Muslims to dedicate this period to prayers for the nation, emphasizing the need for divine intervention in the economy, security, and leadership. He reassured the President of the House’s unwavering support, stating that the government’s policies are for the greater good of Nigerians.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima called on National Assembly leaders to uphold their sacred responsibility of leadership, prioritizing national unity over political interests.
“History will not judge us by the personal battles we fought against one another, but by the bridges we built together. We are gathered here not as adversaries in a contest for power but as partners in the noble task of nation-building,” Shettima stated.
Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, coinciding with the Lenten season, the Vice President emphasized the importance of stability over strife, collaboration over conflict, and dialogue over discord.
“What binds us as a nation is far greater than what divides us,” he added.
Shettima commended President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a visionary and inclusive leader.
“In President Tinubu, you have not just a leader you can trust, but a leader who trusts you. He sees you as stewards of our democracy, voices of the people, and partners in our shared aspiration to build a better Nigeria,” he said.
He further assured Nigerians that the government’s economic reforms are yielding results, stating:
“The economy has turned the corner. We are now on the path to sustained economic growth, and with perseverance, we will create a Nigeria where every citizen can thrive.”
The Vice President also praised Speaker Abbas and the House leadership for fostering harmony within the legislature, emphasizing that development and peace go hand in hand.
“There can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. The unity within the House is a testament to our collective resolve to move Nigeria forward,” he noted.
Shettima concluded by urging leaders to govern with empathy, fairness, and justice, reminding them that leadership is a sacred trust from the Nigerian people.
“Leadership is not about personal gain; it is about service. It is a burden vested in us by God, tested by history, and measured by the impact we leave behind,” he stated.
