Exactly 84 days after he assumed power, President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet took off yesterday, with the president asking his 45 ministers to serve the country with “integrity, dignity and deliver” in their different assignments, instead of serving their states and regions. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 45 ministers at the State House Conference Centre (Old Banquet Hall), Abuja, Tinubu said the country is currently battling “daunting” challenges, adding that the ministers must implement “long overdue” reforms and restore the citizenry’s belief in government.
All of you who have been sworn in have been called to distinguish yourselves. It is me who knows you. I delegate this authority but the greatest number of Nigerians are highly expecting delivery, accountability and transparency. I expect that you will serve with integrity, dignity and deliver. I will hold you to that standard we all promised Nigerians,” he said, noting that the Ministers were carefully selected by him for their track record of excellence and achievement in the public and private sector.
The president told the new cabinet members that they are ministers of the country and not ministers of a region or state.
“I expect that you will serve with integrity, dignity and deliver. I will hold you to that standard we all promised Nigerians,” the president said. Your assignment begins immediately. As your country honours you today, you must each work to make yourselves worthy in the eyes of God and our entire nation’s people.
Your highest obligation is to restore public faith in government so that our people can once again believe that government can be a positive force for transformation and a vehicle for collective progress of all citizens of this great country.
The president congratulated the ministers and welcomed them to “the Administration of Renewed Hope”. Expressing his wishes for the success of the cabinet members in the discharge of their duties, the President invoked a metaphor of a journey, in which he is the driver of a vehicle, along with all Nigerians as passengers.
Imosam (
)
