By Joy Odor
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, has charge Nigerians to contribute by participating in local government initiatives that are now empowered by financial autonomy; engaging with their representatives to provide feedback on the implementation of the policies in their communities, as well as take advantage of government programmes such as the agricultural initiatives and empowerment schemes.
This is even as the Lawmaker, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) distanced himself from the position of the National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Nwosu, regarding the nationwide hunger protests.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference in Abuja at the National Assembly on Monday, Hon Abejide informed that the envision local governments, newly empowered by financial autonomy, directly addressing the needs of their communities without interference.
He was of the opinion that, adding to the financial autonomy, the game-changing liberalization of the power sector through the 2023 Electricity Bill, paving the way for decentralized electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across the country.
The Lawmaker affirmed that If such transformative changes can be achieved in just over one year in President Bola Tinubu office, then it is clear that Nigeria is on its path towards sustainable development, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all citizens.
Abejide maintained that since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on a transformative journey aimed at revitalizing and has prioritized national security, economic stability, agriculture, infrastructure development, and many more, encapsulated in the 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Lawmaker challenged Nigerians on the need to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s transformative strides and called for patience from Nigerians, as he discouraged the planned protest in the country.
“I stand before you today to address the recent comments made by Chief Ralph Nwosu, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), regarding the planned protests against the government.
“While I understand the concerns that have led to this call for protest, and indeed share some of these sentiments, I must firmly oppose such action at this critical juncture in our nation’s journey.
“He is carefully sowing seeds which will germinate and yield in both the short term and the long term, just as we have annual crops and perennial crops, thus requiring calculative patience.
“Picture commuters seamlessly traveling from Port Harcourt to Aba on a modern rail line, while plans for the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Super Highway promise to revolutionize transportation across our nation.
“We cannot deny that our country faces significant challenges. The cost of living has risen, and many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet. These are real issues that require our collective attention and effort.
“However, the foundation for sustainable growth and development is being laid, brick by brick, policy by policy.
“In light of these developments, I urge all Nigerians not just to support President Tinubu’s administration passively, but to actively engage in the process of national rebuilding.
“Let us channel our energies into these constructive actions rather than protests that may derail our progress. By working together, we can ensure that the positive changes initiated by this administration are felt by all Nigerians, from the bustling streets of Lagos to the remote villages of Borno.
“The path to national prosperity is not without its bumps and turns, but with patience, perseverance, and collective effort, we can navigate these challenges. The achievements of the past fourteen months are just the beginning. Let us stand united with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in our pursuit of a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Abejide therefore urged Nigerians to stay informed about government policies and contribute to constructive dialogue on their implementation, report any instances of corruption or mismanagement that may hinder the success of these initiatives.
