President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and good governance, declaring that “nobody is bigger than Nigeria, including myself as President.”
He made this statement on Sunday March 30th while receiving a Sallah homage from a delegation of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) residents, led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Emphasizing the temporary nature of political power, Tinubu stated that leadership is a trust given by God, which must be exercised with humility and a focus on service to the people.
“I’m 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 said.
Reflecting on the lessons of Ramadan and the ongoing Lenten season, he underscored the values of discipline, tolerance, and shared responsibility in building a stronger 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,” Tinubu stated.
He also commended Minister Wike for his leadership in the FCT, acknowledging his efforts in infrastructure development, civil service reforms, and urban renewal projects.
Tinubu highlighted Wike’s role in resolving long-standing issues related to property rights, revitalizing abandoned projects, and improving public services such as healthcare and education.
He urged Nigerians to prioritize national unity over personal ambitions, calling on citizens to embrace peace and inclusivity regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
“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,” Tinubu declared.
Praising Wike’s ability to work effectively in the FCT despite being from the South, Tinubu described it as a testament to Nigeria’s diversity.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Minister Wike expressed gratitude for the President’s recognition of his work.
When asked how he felt about being called “Mr. Infrastructure” by Tinubu, Wike said, “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.”
He assured FCT residents that his administration would continue executing transformative projects, promising an even more ambitious development phase.
“The committee is working, and you can be assured it can’t be less than what we did last time,” he said.
