By FEMI OGUNSHOLA

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said that the 2025 appropriation bill would be ready before the National Assembly soon.

The president disclosed this in Abuja, when he appeared at the joint sitting of the national assembly to celebrate the nation’s 25 years of unbroken democracy.

“I will soon bring the 2025 appropriation bill before you; this is just for your information,“ he said.

He urged the national assembly not to risk the democratic experience it had enjoyed so far.

“We must not risk this democracy. We must build this nation so that the future of our great-grandchildren will be secured in terms of prosperity and progress,” he said.

The president congratulated Nigerians for the 25 years of unbroken democracy.

“Out of respect, I come to say thank you very much for building on this stage, building the institution and the country.

“You are a first and foremost leaders who speaks for our people, and you have been at the forefront of this.

“This institution of the hallowed chamber represents our consciousness of freedom and sense of belonging”, he said.

He said that the lawmaker just resounded the latest national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee” saying, “this is our diversity, representing all cradles and how we play together to be brothers and sisters.”

“Without this house, I probably may not find the path to the presidency I started before now. That is why I am giving all the respect to you so please let’s continue to collaborate and work together,” he said.

The president said that no amount of aid from foreign countries would help to build the nation and called on the lawmakers to work together to build the nation.

“This should not only be about you, but for the generation yet unborn and charting a new path for the citizenry.”

Responding, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said, “We will be expecting the 2025 appropriation as soon as possible.

Akpabio said that henceforth, members would refer to themselves as brothers, “so today we say Nigeria, we hail thee”.

He said that there was no better place to go for the nation’s genealogy than the National Assembly.

“We look forward to celebrating Democracy Day on June 12. Whatever way you choose to celebrate with us, we will take it.” Akpabio said.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, described Tinubu as a true democrat and leader of the party.

“I want you to know that we at NASS are very happy with your performance, and we are thankful for the relationship that has existed between us. It has been mutually beneficial.

“We assure you that we will always support your noble objectives and collaborate with you. We thank you for bringing back the national anthem we grew up with.

“By the time we sing it, you will understand why we must bring it back, line by line,” he said. (NAN)

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