President Bola Tinubu, has charged the 45 newly inaugurated Ministers yesterday. He urged them to place the nation’s interests above all else, eschewing regional or parochial considerations. The President’s directive is aimed at fostering the accomplishment of objectives that form the bedrock of his administration’s renewed hope.
The occasion took place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, where President Tinubu officially swore in the new members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Addressing the assembled ministers, President Tinubu accentuated their role and responsibility, declaring, ” You are not a minister of a particular state, colony, region, or ethnic nationality; you are a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“All of you who have been sworn in have been called to distinguish yourselves. It is me who knows you. I delegate this authority but the greatest number of Nigerians are highly expecting delivery, accountability and transparency. I expect that you will serve with integrity, dignity and deliver. I will hold you to that standard we all promised Nigerians,” he said, noting that the Ministers were carefully selected by him for their track record of excellence and achievement in the public and private sector.
Acknowledging the prevailing challenges enveloping the nation, the President expressed his unwavering confidence in his cabinet’s ability to initiate long-awaited reforms. These reforms are envisaged to usher in economic transformation and enhance governance standards.
“Since my inauguration on May 29, I have taken steps to begin implementing the agenda from which I campaigned and for which I received the mandate of the Nigerian people. With the inauguration of ministers today, we are about to accelerate our governing efforts to move forward, highlighting our best aspiration for Nigerians.
“In this new assignment, we are in this boat together, even if it is a vehicle, I am the driver. The entire nation sits watchful, as you and I navigate this vehicle. We must hold each other responsible. We have to do the job to meet the expectations of all Nigerians,” he said.
Dignitaries who attended the ceremony, include Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State governor, Abdulaziz Abdulrahman.
Administering the oath of office was the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola. After being sworn in, the ministers exchanged handshakes with President Tinubu, the oath-taking arranged in accordance with their respective states of origin.
President Tinubu set the ball rolling immediately, as he directed the newly-appointed Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, to promptly take charge of negotiations with Organised Labour. This move seeks to facilitate amicable resolutions that can alleviate the ongoing difficulties caused by the removal of petrol subsidies. The President’s directive extends to resolving the modalities for palliative measures and hastening the implementation of a new minimum wage.
Addressing the directors, heads of parastatals and agencies under the ministry, Minister Lalong confirmed the government’s dedication to safeguarding the dignity and welfare of Nigerian workers. He pledged to fulfill the ministry’s mandate, ensuring decent work opportunities for all citizens, especially the youth and women.
Furthermore, Minister Lalong pledged close collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliates, with the goal of amicably settling any lingering industrial disputes.
President Tinubu’s resolute approach and the newly sworn-in ministers’ commitment mark a significant chapter in Nigeria’s governance, as they strive to steer the nation toward a promising trajectory.
While conveying the goodwill of President Tinubu to the working class, Lalong lauded the patience shown by Organised Labour over the increasing hardships occasioned by recent policies. He pledged to engage all relevant partners and receive briefings towards a robust performance.
