Tinubu promises supplementary budget, reverts to old national anthem

In a speech to commemorate his first year in office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced plans to send a supplementary budget to the National Assembly “soon.”

A statement on Wednesday via X by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser Information and Strategy to the president noted that speaking for eight minutes before a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday, Tinubu praised the legislature for its collaboration with his government, notably in passing the 2024 Budget expeditiously.

“President Tinubu praised the assembly for its collaboration with his government, citing the Budget 2024, which was passed expeditiously. He said there is no other choice than this collaboration between the executive and legislature. He said that no one else—not even foreigners—will support the development of our nation,” the statement noted.

Onanuga revealed that a highlight of the President’s address was the reversion to Nigeria’s first post-independence national anthem, ‘Nigeria we hail thee, our dear native land. Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’ The anthem was played as Tinubu entered the Assembly and again at the end of proceedings.

“He said he started his politics in this same hallowed chamber as a senator in 1992. Without this path, he said, he may not have become president of Nigeria,” Onanuga stated.

Among the dignitaries present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former House Speakers Femi Gbajabiamila and Patricia Etteh, as well as ministers Atiku Bagudu and Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo.

Quadri Olaitan