President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday night disclosed that the services of the 16 officers and men of the Nigerian Army that met their untimely death last weekend at Okuama in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State will not be in vain.
Speaking at the breaking of Ramadan fast at the State House, Abuja with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House, the President stated emphatically that the deceased gallant soldiers will be given a befitting burial and national honours in further pronouncements to be made shortly by him.
Commenting on the recent dastardly killing of soldiers on national duty in Delta State, President Tinubu while expressing his heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved, pledged that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes would never be in vain.
The President announced that the officers would be given a befitting burial and national honours.
His words: “In responding to distress calls, they met the end of their lives in a savage manner. Let us work to sympathize and symbolize the fact that they are worth the sacrifices they have made for Nigeria.
”We salute all our men and women in uniform, and we sympathize with them. I will soon make further pronouncements, but they must have a befitting burial and national honours”.
He also used the forum to appeal to members of the National Assembly to exercise restraint in summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies before parliamentary committees.
President Tinubu said while oversight is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in governance, excessive summoning of officials can disrupt operations and hinder service delivery to citizens.
He, therefore, urged lawmakers to show discretion in the exercise of their oversight functions.
According to him: ”I have been watching various committees summoning ministers and heads of agencies. I have complained to the Speaker to let the poor breathe. Let these people do the job. We are not saying that you are not influential. We are not saying you cannot do your oversight. But consider the primary duty of each agency, its personnel, or the responsibilities of the Governor of the Central Bank or the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to you and the entire nation.
”If they are distracted or disturbed, maybe we will shift parliamentary sitting all through the night. We must find a way to accommodate one another. This is an appeal to you. See if you can accept representatives in some instances or even documentations”.
Expressing confidence in the ability of the National Assembly to uphold good governance, the President lauded the existing cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature.
He said the harmonious working relationship had resulted in the expeditious passage of several bills to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
President Tinubu urged the legislators not to forget their constituencies and to take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to show compassion and support the less privileged in society.
”We are making sacrifices for the country, and we are assuring citizens that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.
”We must have faith, and please do not forget your constituencies and remember what they are going through.
”I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing, but it is for our country. There is nothing personal about this. It is for Nigeria, and we have no other country but Nigeria,” the President stated.
Earlier in his remarks, Speaker Abass emphasized the importance of forgiveness, generosity, and prayers during Ramadan and called for unity in the nation and support for President Tinubu.
”I want to urge us to use this month to increase our good deeds and minimize our bad deeds,” he said.
Reflecting on the 10 months of the present administration, the Speaker noted that the executive and the legislature have continued to work in synergy for the progress of the country.
”So far, so good, the House has been very supportive of the President and his policies, and we shall continue to ensure that we work together,” the Speaker said.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
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