The Traffic

History Will Judge Us by the Bridges We Build, Not the Battles We Fight’”

By Achimi Muktar

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has sent a powerful message to the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to set aside political divisions and partisan rivalries in the interest of national unity and development.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu during an Iftar gathering at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima reminded the lawmakers that their leadership was a sacred trust that should be exercised with humility and a shared commitment to progress.

“In the end, history will not judge us by the number of personal battles we fought against one another, but by the bridges we were able to build together,” Shettima declared.

A Call for Unity Over Conflict

With Ramadan coinciding with the Lenten season, the Vice-President emphasized the need for deep reflection and a renewed commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

“This sacred month of reflection and renewal reminds us to choose stability over strife, collaboration over conflict, and dialogue over discord. What binds us as a nation is far greater than what divides us,” he said.

Shettima praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a man of vision and inclusivity.

“In President Tinubu, you have not just a leader you can trust, but a leader who trusts you,” he noted, urging lawmakers to see themselves as stewards of democracy and voices of the people.

Economic Progress and Legislative Cooperation

The Vice-President also reassured Nigerians that the government’s economic policies were yielding results.

“We are now on the path to sustained economic growth, and with perseverance, we will create a Nigeria where every citizen can thrive,” Shettima stated.

He commended Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and the House leadership for fostering harmony within the legislature, emphasizing that “there can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development.”

Leadership as a Sacred Trust

Shettima urged lawmakers to lead with empathy, fairness, and justice, reminding them that leadership is about service, not personal gain.

“Leadership is a burden vested in us by God, tested by history, and measured by the impact we leave behind,” he said.

A Show of Support from Lawmakers

In response, Speaker Abbas thanked President Tinubu for the Iftar invitation and acknowledged the importance of national reflection.

“I believe Nigeria, more than ever before, needs this type of reflection,” he said, calling on both Christians and Muslims to use the fasting period to pray for the country’s economy, security, and leadership.

He reaffirmed the House’s support for the Tinubu administration, stressing that the government’s policies were aimed at the betterment of the people.

In a significant gesture of solidarity, Abbas announced that the House of Representatives had donated N705 million—a six-month 50% salary deduction by lawmakers—to support President Tinubu’s humanitarian efforts and provide relief to vulnerable Nigerians.

As Nigeria continues to navigate its challenges, Shettima’s words serve as a reminder that true leadership is measured not by power struggles, but by the unity and progress it fosters.