The inter-denominational anniversary service held at the National Christian Centre, had First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as guest of honour.
She pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with the president, saying he is not a magician.
The first lady said while the administration is not blaming any administration, its primary purpose is to fix what is damaged.
First Lady said,
“We just came back from UNGA ‘78. It was really successful for us as a nation. The world awaits Nigeria. We came back with good news and all we inherited are things that have happened many years ago. We are not here to put blame on any administration, but to fix what is damaged.
“My husband is not a magician; he is going to work brick by brick and I believe and hope that you will have faith in this administration. The best is yet to come for us.”
The first lady expressed gratitude to God for enabling her to celebrate the Independence Day at the National Christian Centre as the First Lady.
She described her participation at the event in her capacity as the president’s wife as a testimony on its own.
She said,
“I bring you warm greetings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Today, as we gather to praise and worship God. Let us remember God’s faithfulness and love to us.
“These words remind us that hope is not just a phrase, but a spirit that resides in each and every one of us. It is hope that transcends many challenges and uncertainties of the present. A hope that is deeply rooted in love and sacrifice; this is all what the love of Christ signifies.
“As a nation, we need to recognize that Christ being in us would only be exemplified by his nature or embodied in the food of the spirit which is love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith and neatness, against such there is no love.”
Quoting Galatians: 5 verses 22- 23, she added;
“Good governance can only be impactful. The faithful follow the example of Jesus Christ, who taught about forgiveness when they are offended and to forgive one another and be patient with one another.”
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said;
“I have listened to the very inspiring statement by the Rev Dr Israel Akanji. However, I want to observe one thing. I believe most of you listened to the broadcast of Mr. President this morning.
“The statement of hope, not only that the major inputs in place were spelt out in that statement. This government was sworn in on May 29 2023. Nigerians gave President Bola Tinubu 48 months to transform Nigeria. He has done four months. Solutions to complex problems can never be as instant and prompt in this time.”
The SGF said the government was considering mass funding of vehicles that can use CNG while ongoing reforms will yield greater results in the financial sector to ensure the growth of the economy on a scale that has never been known before.
He added,
“Remember what the former President said about President Tinubu when he was then candidate. He did it in Lagos and I believe very strongly that he would do it across the country. He has started and by the time the report of the CBN is out, that is when Nigerians will know why we are where we are today.”
Rev. Akanji said the country had been wounded and bleeding, following insecurity.
He advised the government to avoid making empty promises like by past administrations and take actions.
Akanji frowned at the feud between labour unions and the Federal Government on the removal of fuel subsidy.
He called on both parties to embrace fruitful dialogue and avoid a situation that will put the economy in a bad shape.
Rev. Akanji said,
“Bandits have come, robbers have come, the wicked have come. Nigeria has been wounded, bleeding and dying. And God is calling upon us to rise up.
“God is calling us to be the Samaritans. Jericho is between your house and the office. There are people wounded, bleeding and they need to be lifted up.
“I called on our government to see Nigeria as a bleeding, wounded and dying country and we need Samaritan leaders, we need Samaritan principals, vice chancellors, Samaritan business men, Samaritan pastors who will help members of their churches to get back on their feet. Samaritan senators, Samaritan ministries, Samaritan president.
“We don’t want additional wounds; we want to be healed. We want to thank President Bola Tinubu for his speech on Democracy Day and wonderful promises. The promise on our economy, security, empowerment, even women and youths will be accommodated to come out of the woods.”
Other dignitaries at the service were Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Representative of the Speaker, other members of the National Assembly, President Court of Appeal Monica Dongban-Mensen, Minister Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Acting Inspector -General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, Service Chiefs’, diplomats and other government officials.
