First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged former Speakers and Deputy Speakers of state Houses of Assembly to remain engaged in public service, using their legislative experience, networks and institutional knowledge to promote national development and support President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. Remi Tinubu made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during the national summit of […]
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged former Speakers and Deputy Speakers of state Houses of Assembly to remain engaged in public service, using their legislative experience, networks and institutional knowledge to promote national development and support President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.
Remi Tinubu made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during the national summit of the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria.
She told the gathering that political office should not mark the end of an individual’s contribution to the country, stressing that former legislative leaders still had valuable experience to offer.
The First Lady said their knowledge of lawmaking and governance could be deployed to strengthen democratic institutions, guide younger legislators and preserve institutional memory.
She also urged the former lawmakers to use their networks and experience to support development in the communities where they previously served.
“Leaving political office should never mean leaving public service. Nigeria still needs your wisdom, experience and networks,” she said.
Remi Tinubu described the forum’s endorsement of President Tinubu for another term as significant, noting that the former Speakers and Deputy Speakers understood the demands of governance and the difficult choices that come with leadership.
She said the administration had taken steps to reposition the economy and lay a foundation for sustainable development, but stressed that the progress recorded so far must be consolidated.
The forum, in its resolutions, endorsed President Tinubu for a second term and backed his administration’s economic reform programme, including the removal of petrol subsidy.
The former presiding officers also resolved to take the outcome of the summit to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as they mobilise former legislators at the national, state and local government levels.
They further appealed to the President and state governors to draw on the experience of former presiding officers when making appointments and formulating policies.
At the summit, former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong argued that Tinubu should be given the opportunity to complete the economic reforms initiated under his administration.
Lalong said the removal of petrol subsidy was a difficult but necessary decision, arguing that the previous system had committed substantial public resources to consumption rather than productive investment.
He said the resources freed by the reforms should translate into increased investment in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, education, energy and technology.
Lalong also urged political leaders to properly explain the reforms to Nigerronger legislative oversight and fiscal discipline.
Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, who chairs the forum’s Board of Trustees, called for stronger collaboration between the executive and legislature.
Nwifuru said former presiding officers should remain active in national affairs, stressing that their experience in legislation, governance and representation could still contribute to Nigeria’s development.