Leaving political office must not end public service — First Lady

Welcomes husband’s endorsement for 2027 by ex-speakers

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First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu has challenged former Speakers and Deputy Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to remain active in public service, saying leaving political office should never mean abandoning the nation.

She made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the national summit of the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria (FOPSHAN), where the former legislative leaders endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

Speaking on the theme, “Bold Leadership, Bold Reforms: From Subsidy to Renewed Hope, Assessing the Economic Trajectory and Visionary Leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration,” the First Lady said Nigeria still needed the wisdom, experience and networks of former presiding officers.

She urged the former lawmakers to deploy their experience towards strengthening democratic institutions, mentoring younger legislators and preserving institutional memory.

“This summit is a celebration of service, leadership, experience and sacrifice. Leaving political office should never mean leaving public service.

“Nigeria still needs your wisdom, experience and networks. I therefore urge you to use this forum as a platform for preserving institutional memory, mentoring younger legislators, promoting democratic stability, and continuing to contribute to the development of the various communities where we serve,” she said.

The First Lady commended the forum’s leadership for establishing what she described as an important platform for former legislative leaders to continue contributing to governance and national development.

She said the former Speakers and Deputy Speakers had occupied critical positions in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and had made significant contributions to legislation, governance and development in their respective states.

Turning to the forum’s endorsement of President Tinubu’s 2027 bid, Mrs Tinubu expressed appreciation, saying the backing was significant because it came from people who had themselves occupied senior positions within the legislative arm of government.

“I especially acknowledge and appreciate your endorsement of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his second term in office.

“Coming from men and women who have themselves presided over legislative institutions, your endorsement carries special significance. You understand the demands of governance, the difficulty of making critical decisions, and the courage required to pursue reforms in the national interest,” she said.

The First Lady said the administration had, since its inception, been working to reposition the Nigerian economy and lay what she described as a solid foundation for sustainable national development.

She stressed that nation-building was a continuous process and that gains already recorded should be consolidated for the benefit of present and future generations.

“Since the inception of this administration, Mr President has worked tirelessly to reposition the economy and lay a solid foundation for sustainable national development.

“Nation-building is a continuous process and the gains already recorded must be consolidated for the benefit of the present and future generations,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu, who was also honoured as Grand Patron of the forum, expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged to serve the ideals of the organisation.

She prayed for divine wisdom to enable her to contribute meaningfully to the objectives of FOPSHAN.

The First Lady also congratulated the former presiding officers for travelling from different parts of the country to attend the summit, saying their presence demonstrated continued commitment to national service.

She urged them to use the platform to strengthen their bonds, promote national unity and contribute to democratic stability.

The summit brought together former presiding officers of State Houses of Assembly from across the country, with the forum adopting resolutions endorsing the administration’s reform agenda and President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

The former lawmakers also resolved to take the message of the summit to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while engaging former legislators at national, state and local government levels in sensitisation and mobilisation.

The First Lady concluded by praying for the success of FOPSHAN, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the strengthening of the country’s democratic institutions.