By Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis, Akwa Ibom
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, have appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that the economic and political reforms currently causing hardship will ultimately yield prosperity.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong.
The appeals came against the backdrop of concerns about the poverty levels in the country.
Since Tinubu announced the end of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, petrol prices have more than tripled, food inflation surged above 35 per cent, and the naira has continued a volatile decline against the dollar.
Speaking at the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio acknowledged the turbulence but likened the process of rebuilding to constructing a cathedral, stressing that such a task requires time, sacrifice and resilience.
The former governor appealed to the masses not to despair over the current situation that Nigeria is going through but to look forward to a brighter future.
He said, “Let me seize this opportunity to urge my compatriots to be patient with your government as we lay the foundations of this house again. Do not despair when the winds blow strongly or the scaffolding shakes.
According to him, transformation is not the burden of one arm of society, nor the privilege of a select few.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, also shared his sentiment.
Akume, who represented Tinubu at the Catholic gathering, assured that the administration was working to stabilise the economy, attract investments, and cushion the impact of reforms.
“This administration came into office with a firm commitment to renew hope, strengthen our democratic institutions, and build a Nigeria that works for all.
“We have taken bold steps to stabilise the economy, attract investment, and implement reforms that will bring enduring benefits to our country,” he said.
