By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, while swearing in seven ministers at the presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday, reminded them that they would be abused and criticized. Still, they should remain focused and not distracted.
The President also said that his administration has stopped scavengers of the nation’s resources and will ultimately do the same thing to profiteers and smugglers across the country.
He said he was aware that the cost of living had increased, adding that the present situation calls for a solemn commitment.
Tinubu said his administration would not run away from the challenges and responsibilities, assuring that he will face them headlong.
He commended the National Assembly for diligently and expeditiously living up to expectations by performing its constitutional duty of screening and confirming the ministers on record time.
While congratulating the seven new ministers, the President said, “The moment is challenging. The present situation calls for a solemn commitment. Yours is a duty to serve, and that is what you’ve got to do.
I appreciate that you have taken the oath of office and are ready to serve your nation at a time when we are facing challenges of economic growth and other issues, such as security challenges.
“It is not easy to find just the unique people that will surrender their lives, freedoms, and other responsibilities to serve their nation anytime in this time of challenges. I am sincerely happy that you have done that and are here today to be part of a very committed team of Nigerians who have been working tirelessly since 17 months ago when we assumed the responsibility of governing this country. You are called upon to join the team to rescue this country
“Service is the hallmark of this human endeavor; you are being called upon to serve. Economic recovery is on the horizon. We have a good path to realize our dreams, and it is not just for us; it is for our children and grandchildren.”
He said that despite the country’s challenges, the administration was on the right track to re-engineer and retool the country’s economic path.
“Yes, the cost of living has gone up, I recognize that, and we have satisfied the obligation of paying a new minimum wage across the board,” he said.
Tinubu said it was a challenge when the country was servicing its debt with 97 percent of its revenue, pointing out that debt servicing has been reduced to 65 percent. It has not defaulted on paying or meeting all its foreign and domestic obligations.
The President said Nigeria’s economic challenges are not peculiar, noting that neighbouring countries worldwide face the same challenges.
He said, “There’s a lot of crime in Europe and America. The pandemic has brought down the world’s economies, but we are navigating through this and working hard. You will be part of criticism and abuse; don’t worry, but stay focused. Stay resilient. Your thanks will contribute to this country’s history of growth and prosperity.”
He said, “It is my joy and honor to be part of you and responsible for over 200 million people in this county. We have taken the bull by the horns. We have stopped the scavengers. We will stop the profiteers and smugglers of our resources across the country.
“We are not going to run away from our responsibility; we are going to face it, and we have been facing it head-on. With you as a member of this team, I am proud and honoured that I am leading you, and we will lead you to success and prosperity. All I can say is welcome on board; this ship will not sink.”
