Prioritise electorate's interest over party affiliations, Tinubu's wife tells politicians

 

 By Kayode Olopade 

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on politicians to place the interests of the electorate above party allegiance in the discharge of their duties.

She made the call on Friday during a stakeholders' meeting organised by her Renewed Hope Initiative, held with traditional rulers and religious leaders in Lagos.

Senator Tinubu emphasised that public service should be rooted in commitment to the people, not merely loyalty to political platforms.

“Party aside, once we win an election, people should put party aside and let's run the government. The government involves people and through the grace of God, the Renewed Hope Initiative will be able to change the mindset of opposition states. We are all working together to make sure that this programme get to the grassroots,” she said.

The meeting, which brought together key community influencers, lawmakers, political leaders,traditional rulers and religious leaders in the state focused on strengthening grassroots engagement and fostering unity for national development through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The First Lady also reaffirmed her commitment to supporting policies and programmes that promote peace, development, and the well-being of all Nigerians.

She pledged to work with all stakeholders and also to look into their various request table before her.

In his welcome address at the event, the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of the First Lady’s decision to engage directly with traditional and religious leaders, describing them as critical stakeholders in the conversations of governance.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the timing of the visit, which coincides with the ongoing Isese Week, a period of cultural celebration among Yoruba traditional institutions. 

He praised the religious and traditional institutions for their continued prayers and support for the state, reaffirming the government’s commitment to working closely with them.

“Their prayers are with us. It is not a coincidence that this visit comes during Isese Week. It shows our traditional institution is alive and vibrant. We also recognize our religious leaders, and this government values your interventions in all spheres of life,” he added.

The governor commended the First Lady for her impact through the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that within just two and a half years, she has introduced transformative programmes targeting the vulnerable across Nigeria.

“Our FirstLady has birthed new ideas and levels of governance using her office. Her initiative is touching lives and bringing hope, especially to the elderly and the vulnerable. She has toured the nation, engaging with regional leaders and using her experience, intellect, and compassion to uplift communities,” he stated.

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi who spoke on behalf of others traditional rulers in the state appreciated the First Lady for her various impactful projects across the country.

He also presented a list of requests on behalf of other monarchs, including calls for a constitutional role for traditional rulers, improved welfare, youth empowerment, girl-child education, and leadership training, legal recognition for Local Council Development Area.