President Bola Tinubu on Friday doubled down on the urgent call for state police to boost national security, while pledging full party backing to curb the alarming exodus of House of Representatives members ahead of the 2027 elections, according to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Speaking at the State House during an interfaith breaking of fast with lawmakers amid the rare overlap of Ramadan and Lent, Tinubu hailed House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas as an exemplary leader and rallied the assembly on unity and economic revival.
“I appreciate the impressive turnout, and this shows the spirit of unity. You spoke very well as a team leader; you are a very good leader. I am very happy with the representation I see here tonight, which reflects your consciousness and the richness of your leadership. I thank you for speaking so well.
“I will do everything within our party’s power. In several constituencies, there are rotational arrangements. I wish that everyone would return.”
Tinubu credited the lawmakers’ support for navigating tough reforms in the economy. “It was initially very difficult for many to understand the direction of my thinking, but I am glad we are out of the dark tunnel. Many even thought we could reverse the subsidy removal. The tension has subsided.
“I am proud of you. You collaborated with me, and today those challenges are over.”
Abbas, earlier, thanked Tinubu for upholding the Iftar tradition and praised his transformative leadership. “This is the first time that every member here, whether in the majority or minority, believes in what you are doing; believes in your government’s policies. In the first year, when you laid out your plans for the country, some people viewed them with pessimism. But with the economy improving, inflation decreasing, agricultural activities rising, and other positive economic indicators, Nigeria is on the right track. Many now see you as a Messiah.”
He highlighted the “significant and unique” coincidence of the holy periods, adding that first terms fix past errors: “we have not seen the best of you yet, which we all expect to see in your second term in 2027, as you now understand the magnitude of our challenges.”
He urged Tinubu’s intervention on member retention, warning that up to 80% turnover disrupts legislative continuity as newcomers face steep learning curves.
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