By Francesca Hangeior

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has charged the National Assembly to uphold the sacred responsibility of leadership, prioritise unity and national development over political divisions and partisan interests.

He made the call when President Bola Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shettima, who spoke on behalf of President Tinubu, also urged lawmakers to embrace their responsibility with humility and a shared commitment to progress.

He said, “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.

“We are gathered here this evening not as adversaries in a contest for power, but as partners in the noble task of nation-building.”

Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, which coincides with the Lenten season, the Vice-President called for deep introspection and a reaffirmation of 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,” the Vice-President said.

Shettima, who commended President Tinubu’s leadership, described 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 sees you as stewards of our democracy, as voices of the people, and as partners in our shared aspiration to build a better Nigeria.”

Shettima said the government’s economic policies were yielding results, adding that the economy has turned the corner.

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

The Vice-President also lauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and the House leadership for fostering harmony within the legislature.

“There can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. The unity within the House is a testament to our collective resolve to move Nigeria forward,” he said.

Shettima urged the leaders to govern with empathy, fairness, and justice, reminding them that their positions were a sacred trust of the Nigerian people.

“Leadership is not about personal gain; it is about service. It is a burden vested in us by God, tested by history, and measured by the impact we leave behind,” he said.

Earlier, Abbas thanked President Tinubu for the invitation to break fast with him and for always showing respect and concern for the House of Representatives.

“As we all know, the month of Ramadan entails many things, one of them is reflection; where were you before, where are you now and where do you want to be?

” I believe Nigeria, more than ever before, needs this type of reflection,” he said.

He implored both Christians and Muslims to dedicate the fasting period to pray for the country.

The Speaker said Nigerians knew what the Tinubu administration had achieved within just two years and the period offered a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country.

“Prayers for the economy; prayers for improved security, prayers for the leaders and prayers for the citizens.”

He pledged that every member of the House of Representatives was in support of the President.

He noted that the policies of the government were for the betterment of the people and Nigeria as a country.