President Bola Tinubu issued a stern reminder to his newly appointed cabinet members on Monday, reiterating his commitment to the standards he pledged to uphold during his election campaign. The directive came following their official swearing-in ceremony held at the conference center of the presidential villa in Abuja.

Tinubu, while presiding over the oath-taking ceremony, emphasized the importance of transcending regional, ethnic, and state affiliations. He pointed out that the 45 ministers, who had undergone thorough screening and Senate confirmation as per constitutional obligations, are tasked with overseeing the various federal ministries in this era of renewed optimism.

He highlighted that his selections were made based on their distinguished track records of accomplishment both in the public and private sectors. These appointments were designed to represent the diverse fabric of Nigeria, bringing a range of experiences and expertise to collectively guide the nation’s affairs, address deficiencies, and fortify the building blocks for the present and future of the country.

Acknowledging the substantial challenges awaiting the new ministers, President Tinubu emphasized the unique opportunity to implement reforms that would enhance governance and transform the economy to benefit the populace.

The president stressed, “We face formidable challenges, yet within this context lies the prospect of long-overdue reforms that can enhance government operations, reshape our economic landscape, and secure peace, safety, and prosperity for our citizens.”

Tinubu reminded the ministers that their role extends beyond regional or state representation, emphasizing that the public has high expectations of them. He expressed confidence in their ability to serve with integrity and accountability, maintaining, “I hold you accountable to the standards we collectively pledged to Nigerians.”

He urged the ministers to immediately embark on their responsibilities, recognizing the privilege and responsibility inherent in their positions. He stressed that their duty is to instill public confidence in government, thereby rekindling the belief in government’s potential for positive transformation and collective national progress.

In extending his congratulations to the new appointees, Tinubu underscored the scrutiny that the government would face as it navigates its mandate. He invoked a collective sense of responsibility, urging all stakeholders to hold each other accountable to fulfill the expectations of the Nigerian populace.

“As the driver of this vehicle, with the entire Nigerian population as passengers, we are collectively steering the course. We must be vigilant and ensure we fulfill our obligations to meet the expectations of all Nigerians,” Tinubu concluded.

In closing, he reiterated the ministers’ role as representatives of the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria, emphasizing the overarching duty to uphold the principles of service, transparency, and progress for the betterment of the nation.